Liverpool Icon Gerrard Applauds Arteta's Strategic Arsenal Decision
Football legend Steven Gerrard has publicly commended Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for what he describes as an 'extremely clever' January transfer decision. The Gunners have agreed to send their teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri to French club Olympique de Marseille on loan for the remainder of the season, a move that has drawn significant praise from the former Liverpool captain.
Nwaneri's Rapid Rise and Current Situation
Ethan Nwaneri, now 18 years old, made history when he became the youngest ever player to appear in the Premier League, making his Arsenal debut at just 15 years old in 2022. Following that landmark moment, the midfielder enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season, making 37 appearances across all competitions and establishing himself as a valuable member of Arteta's first-team squad.
Given his impressive trajectory, many expected Nwaneri to build on that momentum this season, particularly with Arsenal challenging for the Premier League title. However, opportunities have been limited, with the teenager starting only three matches this term, all of which came in cup competitions.
The Reasoning Behind the Marseille Move
Initially, Arsenal were keen for Nwaneri to remain in north London, believing he would benefit from being around a squad that could potentially end the club's 22-year wait for a league title. However, the player himself expressed a strong desire for the move to Marseille, seeking more regular playing time and the opportunity to experience both a different league and country.
Nwaneri joins a Marseille side currently sitting third in Ligue 1, eight points behind surprise leaders Lens, while also competing in the Champions League group stage. At the French club, he will work under manager Roberto De Zerbi, whose reputation for developing young talent is well-established from his time at Brighton.
Gerrard's Insightful Analysis
Speaking on TNT Sports, Steven Gerrard offered his expert perspective on young players pursuing loan moves abroad. 'I love it, I love it,' Gerrard stated emphatically. 'If this works, everyone can be a winner from it. Mikel Arteta has been extremely clever here because he's sending him to De Zerbi who has a track record of improving players.'
Gerrard elaborated on the developmental benefits, noting: 'He will give him the time and the education and the development he needs. He will get more game-time playing for Marseille and if he samples the league, samples the experiences like tonight it's not going to do any harm for his development. He's a top talent, now he needs to get some experience and this will bode well for him in the future.'
The former England captain acknowledged that from a selfish perspective, Arteta would probably have preferred to keep Nwaneri available as Arsenal pursue multiple trophies. However, Gerrard emphasised the long-term thinking behind the decision: 'There's a part of you that thinks about the player and where you want him to be in the next few years. If he's going to be a top player for Arsenal the best thing for him is to play games, give him different experiences and test him out.'
Support from Fellow Pundits
Gerrard's former England teammate Joe Hart also expressed support for the loan arrangement. The ex-England goalkeeper commented: 'I think it makes sense. He obviously ultimately wants to prove himself at Arsenal – that's what he will see in his future. But if you get a great opportunity to go to a club like Marseille with that atmosphere and coach you take it.'
Hart further explained the practical considerations: 'At the moment Arsenal are so focussed on what they're doing, they can't really afford to blood in youngsters, people need to play on merit and they've got an incredible squad. So I think it works for everyone.'
Both pundits agree that the six-month loan spell could prove invaluable for Nwaneri's progression, with Gerrard confidently asserting that 'without a doubt, De Zerbi will make him a better player.' The move represents a strategic balancing act between Arsenal's immediate trophy ambitions and the long-term development of one of their most promising academy graduates.
