LATEST NEWS: Thierry Henry suggests Mikel Arteta should use Leandro Trossard in midfield or give Ethan Nwaneri a chance against Tottenham, given the absence of three key players.
But if Arteta is unwilling to gamble on Trossard, Henry has suggested an alternative that has fans buzzing—17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri. The Arsenal academy sensation has been highly touted as one of the brightest prospects in the club’s youth system, and Henry’s confidence in the youngster speaks volumes. “He can deliver,” Henry said, referring to Nwaneri. “We might just have to trust our star boy against Spurs. He’s got the talent to step up.”
The concern among Arsenal fans is understandable. With the likes of Martin Ødegaard, Thomas Partey, and another key midfielder ruled out, the Gunners find themselves lacking depth in the middle of the park. This leaves Arteta with limited options, as only Thomas Partey and Jorginho remain as senior midfielders, neither of whom are natural attacking threats.
Henry’s call for Arteta to experiment with Trossard in midfield may be unconventional, but there’s logic behind it. Trossard is technically gifted, hard-working, and unpredictable—qualities that could catch Spurs off-guard. On the other hand, handing a starting role to Nwaneri would be a massive show of faith in the youngster, who has been impressing at youth level.
This tactical dilemma adds another layer of intrigue to a derby already brimming with tension. With Tottenham in strong form and Arsenal facing a midfield crisis, the outcome of this match could have a major impact on both teams’ seasons.
The million-dollar question now is: will Arteta heed Henry’s advice and take a calculated risk, or will he stick with more traditional options? One thing is certain—Arsenal fans are anxiously waiting to see what unfolds at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
This is not looking good for the Gunners, but there’s a little sense in Henry’s proposal. Whether it’s Trossard’s versatility or Nwaneri’s youthful energy, Arsenal needs a spark in midfield to secure a crucial victory.