Arsenal: When does Eddie Nketiah “graduate”?

Arsenal youngster Eddie Nketiah may only be 19, but his nose for goal is that of a seasoned veteran. So when does he graduate to the next level of competition?

It’s always hard to ascertain the progress of a youngster, because if they aren’t given the chance to prove themselves at the competition they are striving for, then it’s all speculation. Still, Arsenal youngster Eddie Nketiah has to be nearing the point where he is ready for the next step, doesn’t he?

Nketiah has thus far made four appearances for the U23s and, surprise surprise, he has three goals in that time, averaging a goal every 92 minutes. It’s business as usual for the former Chelsea product, and that doesn’t look to be changing anytime soon. He has poured home goals at every step of his young career and even snagged two crucial goal against Norwich City to spare the Gunners a massive embarrassment last year.

So when is the next step? When can he be trusted to lead the team in the sole striker role? Well, this is a hard question to answer, because it first requires that we establish what the next step is. Which may actually be the hardest part.

For Reiss Nelson, the next step was a sensible loan to a club that would utilize and develop him. But there is no guaranteeing that that is what he next step for Eddie Nketiah is. Strikers are a difficult bunch. Kind of like keepers, but not quite that tough. The trouble is that most teams only start one striker and, at most, have two extra on the bench. If they aren’t performing, it’s easy to see and they can be replaced.

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As it stands, the Gunners have two fantastic strikers in Lacazette and Aubameyang. Nketiah will not be breaking that duo up no matter what he does. So the next realistic thing is to think that he is in line after Aubameyang’s time has come to an end. But that could be… what, four years tops? Nketiah will be 23 by then and probably have gone on somewhere else for want of playing time.

No, the next step for Nketiah really has to be one of two things. He either needs to be handed the starting job in any given side competition. Even the League Cup will do. Or he needs a serious, sensible loan like Reiss Nelson got. And even still, that will only give us an idea of what he is capable of doing at Arsenal, without being able to give us the full picture.

Whatever the case, Nketiah is right up there with Nelson. There is something particularly special about these kids, that they’ve been this relevant for several years, and there need to be certain concessions pulled out on their behalf.

I want to see Nketiah on the pitch at some point against FC Vorskla. In whatever capacity, even if that means as nothing more than a substitute.