'He's such a star' – Ex-Man City CB who turned down Super Eagles backs Nwaneri for England call-up

Nedum Onuoha, a former Manchester City central defender, has spoken highly of young Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri, backing him for a potential call-up to the England senior team. 

Onuoha, who appeared on Match of the Day during a UEFA Champions League broadcast, discussed Nwaneri’s rapid rise and suggested he should be considered for international duty despite his young age.

Onuoha’s comments were sparked by the impressive performances of Nwaneri, who has been a standout player for Arsenal this season. 

The 17-year-old midfielder scored a stunning goal in a recent Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven, continuing to show his immense potential on both the domestic and European stages. 

His rapid development at such a young age has led to widespread discussion about whether he is ready to step up to the England national team.

Onuoha expressed confidence in Nwaneri’s ability, stating, "He’s such a star, I’d be very surprised if he spends a lot of time on the bench after (Bukayo) Saka comes back. Every chance he will find to be in that team and make a big difference." 

Onuoha’s backing of Nwaneri echoes the growing consensus that the teenager’s talent is too strong to ignore, and his time at the top level is fast approaching.

Onuoha also weighed in on the idea of giving younger talents, such as Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, a shot in the England squad. 

He said, "You’d like to think so. Obviously, they are young and they’ve got many, many years ahead of them, but if they are good enough now then why not consider them?" 

His remarks highlight the idea that age should not be a barrier if a player demonstrates the necessary skill and maturity to perform at the highest level.

Nwaneri has already made history at Arsenal, becoming one of the youngest players in the club's history to feature in the first team. 

His Champions League performances have impressed coaches, fans, and pundits alike, with his technical ability, vision, and maturity on the ball standing out as key attributes. 

With England manager Thomas Tuchel always looking to the future, it seems plausible that Nwaneri could earn a spot in one of the upcoming England squads.

While Onuoha’s praise for Nwaneri is clear, he also took a moment to reflect on the broader picture of youth development in England. 

The question of whether England should fast-track young talents into senior duty is a matter of ongoing debate. 

With players like Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly shining at such a young age, England faces a dilemma: do they integrate them into the national setup early, or let them develop further at the club level before stepping up?

Onuoha, who turned down a chance to play for the Nigerian national team in favor of representing England, is no stranger to the intricacies of international football. 

Having been part of the youth teams for England, Onuoha knows firsthand the challenges that young players face when making the leap to senior international football. 

However, he remains firmly in favor of giving talented youngsters opportunities, provided they are performing at a high level.

With the UEFA European Championship and World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, Tuchel may need to make tough decisions regarding the inclusion of young players. 

The likes of Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly are among a new generation of English talent that could shape the future of the national team.

As Onuoha suggested, if these players are good enough now, there’s no reason why they shouldn't be given a chance to showcase their abilities at the international level. 

The coming months could be pivotal for both Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly, as they continue to shine for their clubs and push for a spot in the England squad.

Wale Adejumo

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