Eddie Nketiah stormed onto the scene for Arsenal last night in the Carabao Cup.
Nketiah, became the first Arsenal player born after the beginning of the Arsene Wenger era to score, and said it was a dream come true to mark his home debut with two goals.
He helped Arsenal to come from behind to beat Norwich 2-1 in extra time in the Carabao fourth-round.
But who is Arsenal’s new kid on the block?
Time at Chelsea
The youngster, 18, was actually a Chelsea youth product. He had been on their books since he was nine-years-old, however the Blues did not offer him a scholarship.
Arsenal, took full advantage, and invited him to train within the academy. Soon after, he accepted a scholarship with the north London club.
‘I was so down, but then Arsenal found out I was available, contacted my family and invited me to train,’ he said.
‘Within a week I was told that I would be offered a scholarship. I think it is important to bounce back quickly from disappointment and Arsenal gave me the opportunity to do that.’
Nketiah is a striker known for his natural finishing ability, scoring goals at every level of the Arsenal youth team.
The youngster is best known for his pace and making penetrative runs in behind the defensive line.
On what he feels his strengths are Nketiah said: ‘My game is mainly pace, movement and finishing.’
Nketiah was rewarded for his stellar performances at youth level and was given his first professional contract in September of last year.
Along with highly rated youngsters such as Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson, he was given a place on Arsenal’s pre-season tour in the summer and has been involved in the Gunners’ Europa League campaign.
It should be taken with caution if he does make the breakthrough to Arsenal’s first-team though. Chuba Apkom also had great statistics, however, he has yet to establish himself in Arsene Wenger’s first-team despite having loan spells at other clubs.
Nketiah has also been impressive for England – scoring a hat-trick for England U18s against Qatar.
However, should Nketiah continue his goalscoring trend, he could well and truly be giving Arsene Wenger food for thought.
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