Arsenal Star Reveals Manchester City Legend as His Idol

Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri has revealed that a legendary Manchester City player was his football idol growing up.

Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri has revealed that Manchester City’s midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne was his football idol growing up.

Although Nwaneri has not yet been officially promoted to Arsenal’s first team for the 2024-2025 season, the young England youth international has been training with the senior squad throughout pre-season, gaining valuable experience in high-profile friendlies against Manchester United, Liverpool, and Bayer Leverkusen.

A product of Arsenal’s renowned Hale End Academy, which has produced talents like Jack Wilshere and Emile Smith Rowe, Nwaneri admitted that it was De Bruyne, rather than an Arsenal legend, who inspired him the most. The Belgian international, celebrated for his vision and playmaking abilities, has recorded 112 assists since joining Manchester City in 2015, making him a role model for aspiring midfielders like Nwaneri.

In a conversation with Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard, Nwaneri expressed his admiration for De Bruyne, saying, ‘Growing up, my idol was definitely De Bruyne. The way he plays, his passing style—I tried to mimic what he was doing when I was younger.’

Nwaneri, who made history as the youngest player ever to debut in the Premier League at just 15 years and 181 days, described the experience of his debut as overwhelming. ‘The emotions were crazy; I didn’t know what to think at the time. I was just shocked that I even came on, but it was a lot to deal with, and I think I handled it well,’ he said.

As he continues to train and develop with Arsenal’s senior squad, Nwaneri’s future looks promising, and his admiration for De Bruyne suggests he aims to become one of the top creative forces in English football.