Micah Richards has suggested that Ethan Nwaneri should play up front once Bukayo Saka returnsfrom his injury. The 17-year-old has established himself as a key player for Arsenal this season, operating in numerous positions.
Nwaneri, who signed his first professional contract with the Gunners last year, has featured 24 times across all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing one assist. The England U19 international struggled to force himself into Mikel Arteta's side at the start of the campaign - feeding off cameo appearances from the bench.
But, as Nwaneri continued to impress and more senior players picked up injury problems, he has been given added opportunities. The Hale End graduate has been slowly integrated into the first-team, and now Arteta's beginning to reap the rewards of his patient management.
Nwaneri played a crucial role in the north Londoners' 2-0 win against Leicester City at the weekend, which led Joe Cole to liken his play style to Lionel Messi. While he enjoyed cutting inside off the right wing, Richards believes the teenage sensation could replace Kai Havertz when Saka returns.
Speaking on the latest episode of The Rest is Football podcast, Gary Lineker and the ex-Manchester City defender reflected on Nwaneri's performance. Richards began: "Oh, he's dazzling, isn't it? Scintillating. The way he moves, his confidence, his left foot.
"I mean, we've eulogised about Saka many, many times, but he's really come to the fore at the right time. What a player. 17 years of age. His technique. He was the best player on a pitch by far. You know, all he was missing was a goal, really."
Lineker asked: "Where does he play when Saka's fit?"
Richards replied: "I'd put him up front. I'd put him up front."
Lineker said: "I think he can play anywhere up top."
Richards said: "Correct. Put him [there] because of how Arsenal play, the like players who can press, the like players who can link. Havertz has done that role. We all think Havertz is better as a No.10.
"I think he's got that. And they can switch positions, him and Saka, the way they go in and out. But he's a real talent. He's a real, real talent. I just hope he has no bad injuries or anything like that, keeps focused, because Arsenal have got another one."