Mikel Arteta is potentially about to be presented with a serious selection headache at Arsenal.
Indeed, Arsenal’s team basically picks itself at the moment. After all, the Gunners are in the middle of an injury crisis, so there isn’t much room for rotation.
However, some of Arsenal’s key players will soon be returning from injury.
Kai Havertz is out for the season, but we’re edging closer to seeing Bukayo Saka back on the pitch after his hamstring injury.
In Saka’s absence, another star at Arsenal has risen on the right wing – Ethan Nwaneri.
Indeed, Nwaneri has earned huge plaudits in Saka’s absence, and there is a conundrum to ponder once Saka returns, how do you get both players in the same team?
Speaking on the Seaman Says Podcast, David Seaman has been discussing where Nwaneri could play once Saka returns, and according to the pundit, Nwaneri could end up playing in a number 10 position upon Saka’s return.
Ethan Nwaneri could move into number 10 position
Seaman spoke about where Nwaneri could play upon Saka’s return.
Nwaneri has made a real name for himself as a right winger in recent weeks, but once Saka is back, he may have to shift across and play centrally, according to Seaman.
“The other big problem that there is, of course, it’s not just a striker. It’s what other creativity you need. Obviously, Odegaard can play up in that 10 role. Martinelli can play there as well?” Seaman was asked.
‘Yeah, but don’t forget, when Saka comes back as well, Nwaneri could go in there, and as young as he is, he looks a really mature player,” Seaman said.
“And he’s a great player as well. So maybe he could go into that position. Yeah.”
Ethan Nwaneri stats in different positions
Nwaneri may well have to move from his current right wing berth when Saka returns from his injury, and there are a few roles he could move into.
Indeed, Nwaneri has played in a number of different positions in his career at youth level.
| Ethan Nwaneri positions | Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attacking midfield | 42 | 19 | 7 |
| Right wing | 18 | 5 | 1 |
| Centre forward | 8 | 10 | 2 |
| Centre midfield | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Left wing | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Interestingly, Nwaneri has a stellar record as a number nine, and perhaps that’s something Arsenal may want to explore.
Mikel Arteta has said Nwaneri could play up front for Arsenal, and with Mikel Merino misfiring at the moment as a makeshift centre-forward, Arsenal could look to change things up.
Seaman reckons Nwaneri could slot in as a number 10, but don’t be shocked if the 17-year-old has a run out as a central striker.
