Arsenal FC news: All you need to know about Eddie Nketiah, the Gunners and England talent making headlines

1 Nketiah could seek a loan move away from Arsenal

Key details:

Full name: Edward Nketiah

Date of birth: 30 May 1999 (age 17)

Height: 1.74 m

Position: Forward

Team: Arsenal

Who is he?

Eddie Nketiah is a forward who currently plays for Arsenal and the England Under-18 team, who hit the headlines after scoring a hat-trick for the latter against Qatar. Originally on Chelsea’s books, Nketiah signed scholarship terms with the Gunners in 2015, and has spent this season alternating between the Under-18 and Under-23 teams. Naturally a forward, but also able to play out wide, Nketiah has scored 11 goals in 12 games at U18 level, and five goals in 11 appearances for the U23s.

What he says:

‘My game is mainly pace, movement and finishing, but I’ve made an effort to hold the ball up better which is something vital for the team and that Olivier Giroud does so well. I have also worked hard on my heading and have already scored three headed goals this season.’

Playing style:

Compared to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, Nketiah has established himself as a pacy forward with a keen eye for goal. Like Henry, Nketiah can operate in a wide position, though he is most dangerous with the ball when in the penalty area. A number of his goals come from a fine sense of positioning, being on hand to convert rebounds, saves or low crosses.

That is not to say he cannot do fine work outside the area, as Nketiah is skilful enough to scare defenders when running at them. He told the official Arsenal website he used to idolise Ronaldinho, pretending to be the Brazilian icon in the playground, and it is clear that flair remains in his game.

Combining his technical ability with his raw pace, he can create chances out of nothing, and is often used as the focal point of attacks; there is hardly a ball played through the defence which he will not get on the end of.

Areas to improve:

Having already shown his scoring credentials at Under-23 level, despite being up to six years younger than some opponents, many would suggest Nketiah is already playing at a high level.

However, Nketiah himself believes the main area he needs to work upon is his heading ability. Just one of his 24 goals last season was scored with his head, and aware of his need to improve, he has already improved upon that tally this term. For someone as physically impressive as Nketiah, utilising his strength in the air is vitally important.

Furthermore, although Nketiah is a superb first-time finisher who is superb at converting crosses and passes with just one touch, his ability to get the ball under control is lacking. He should be looking to work on his first touch and composure, to improve not only his game – but to improve the fluidity of his team’s attack.

Video evidence: