MY ACCOUNT
Rio Ferdinand is calling 15-year-old Arsenal debutant Ethan Nwaneri a rare talent after he broke the record for the youngest Premier League player in history during his side’s 3-0 win against Brentford on Sunday.
Nwaneri came on in stoppage time and had no effect on the outcome, but it was the next step in a rapid rise for the England under-17 representative, who is still classified as a schoolboy until he turns 16 in March.
Since his debut, a report from The Times has claimed Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool all have a strong interest in the impressive youngster, and Ferdinand believes it is not out of the blue.
Speaking on his Youtube channel FIVE, the United legend said he has heard from sources within the game that Nwaneri could be a once-in-a-generation prospect for the Gunners.
“There’s no doubting this kid’s ability,” he said.
“I’ve heard from coaches that are at the club and from various different people in the game at that level that there aren’t many 15-year-olds in the last 10-or-so years that have got the ability that this guy’s shown on a consistent basis.
“We are talking the [Phil] Fodens of this world. At 15, he’s at a similar level they’re talking.”
Foden debuted for City at 17, and went on to become the youngest ever Premier League winner, while also being named PFA Young Player of the Year on two separate occasions.
At 22 years old, Foden has already earned 16 international caps, and is set for his first World Cup campaign in Qatar.
