'He's already a big player' - Martin Odegaard reveals how he's taken 'unbelievable' Ethan Nwaneri under his wing at Arsenal

The teenage midfielder has made a significant impact under Mikel Arteta's guidance in 2024-25, netting three goals during Arsenal’s run to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals while also scoring his first Premier League goal against Nottingham Forest in November. Odegaard, who himself experienced the challenges of being a teenage prodigy after joining Real Madrid at 16, has taken it upon himself to mentor the rising star.

Reflecting on his early days in Spain, Odegaard shared insights into the difficulties of being a young player in a star-studded squad, telling reporters: "Obviously it was a big change for me to go to Madrid at 16 years old and I was still a baby when I look back now. I think I just learned what it feels to be a young player in a senior squad and it’s not always the most easy thing, so that’s something I keep in mind now when younger players are coming up to the first team. I know how they feel and just try to help them as much as possible."

This understanding has inspired Odegaard to guide Nwaneri during his transition into senior football. "I have been trying to help him (Nwaneri) in many different ways," the Arsenal skipper said. "He is doing amazing. I think, for his age, to play the way he plays, with such confidence, with such enthusiasm, eagerness to get on the ball and always show his quality."

Odegaard was keen to highlight that Nwaneri is already more than just a promising talent and insisted that he believes in striking a balance between offering support and providing too much information that might add to the pressure.

"He will just get better and better. I don’t want to put too much pressure and too big words on him, but he is an unbelievable player already," he added. "I think for a young player, sometimes it is just to help him to be himself and feel natural, and don’t be like too much on him. I don’t think there’s any reason to speak about the talent because everyone can see that. He’s already a big player. I don’t see him as a talent, I see him as a really good player and that’s a great sign for such a young player.”

The Gunners are currently preparing for two successive home games, with Monaco first in the Champions League on Wednesday. Arsenal will return to Premier League action three days later, taking on Everton at the Emirates on Saturday.