Ethan Nwaneri became the first 15-year-old to play in the Premier League on Sunday when he came off the bench in Arsenal’s 3-0 win at Brentford.
Here, the PA news agency takes a look at why the midfielder’s appearance was so important and what the future holds for him.
Who is Ethan Nwaneri?
The midfielder plays for Arsenal on schoolboy terms – players can’t sign a professional contract at his age – and England Under-16s.
He joined the club’s academy when he was in primary school and made rapid progress through the youth ranks, breaking into the Under-18s when he was 14 – and scoring on his first appearance – and earlier this month he made his Under-21 debut against Blackburn.
Why was her appearance so important?
He became the youngest player to make a Premier League appearance at the age of 15 years and 181 days. He is the first Under-16 to feature in the competition and the youngest to play for Arsenal’s first team. Due to his age, he is unable to even change in the same room as the rest of the Arsenal squad.
Who was the previous record holder?
Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott, who made his Premier League debut in 2019 for Fulham aged 16 years and 30 days. He broke the record set by Matthew Briggs in 2007 when he made his debut – again for Fulham.
Playing at such a young age must be a good sign for his future?
Not necessarily. Briggs is currently playing non-league football at the age of 31, having spent much of his career playing in the EFL’s lower leagues.
Nwaneri is the 22nd player to appear in the Premier League before the age of 17. Of the previous 21, only Wayne Rooney, James Milner, Aaron Lennon, Francis Jeffers and Jack Rodwell have made more than 100 appearances in the competition.
How did it appear so early?
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said he had “a pure feeling” after allowing the player to train with the first team.
Arteta also hopes the example will inspire more Arsenal academy players.
“It sends a strong message about who we are as a club,” added the Spaniard. “I told him yesterday that he would be with us and that he had to be ready. He is ready.”
What’s next for him?
School! He will have a day off on Monday due to the Bank Holiday for the Queen’s funeral, but is expected to be back at St John’s Prep and Senior School in Enfield on Tuesday.
Football-wise, he is likely to return to the U21 side but is hoping for further first-team appearances after the international break.
