Arsenal starlet Ethan Nwaneri says manager Mikel Arteta has transformed not only his game but his overall demeanour, including how he carries himself off the pitch.
The 18-year-old, who has Nigerian heritage, enjoyed a breakthrough season at the Emirates, cementing his place in the senior squad under Arteta’s tutelage.
As the youngest player to debut in Premier League history, Nwaneri is now beginning to reflect the discipline and detail demanded by his manager.
“There’s a lot to learn from Mikel,” he told Arsenal media.
“If you ever met him, you’d see how intense he is. He’s so good with his words and he knows what he’s saying.
“On a personal level as well, he’s helped me a lot. He’s elevated my game, definitely. He’s really big on body language and the way that he presents himself. He puts that on to me.”
That level of detail, Nwaneri noted, has extended beyond tactical instructions.
“Before, maybe just the way that I’d walk or slouch a bit or just the way I’d be sitting, but he’s on to everything,” he said. “That’s helped me just sharpen up in my mind and it’s helped me a lot.”
Looking ahead, the midfielder remains focused and driven to take the next leap in his career.
“Before each season I can see where I’m going to be at the end of it,” he added.
“I’ve always had that ability to see and visualise where I want to be and put my mind towards it. I wasn’t really surprised, but I think now it’s just what’s the next step and what I need to do to get to where I want to be.”
