Eddie Nketiah’s Enormous Value Becoming Apparent

Eddie Nketiah is quietly developing into quite the asset for Arsenal.

Although not a guaranteed starter, his enormous value is becoming more apparent. October 24th, 2017: a day that Eddie Nketiah will never forget. Besides becoming the first player to score for the club born after Arsène Wenger was appointed manager in October 1996, his two goals on the night sent Arsenal through to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Since making his dramatic introduction, there have been some doubts about the Englishman’s capabilities. Opportunities have been scarce, and concerns about his lack of physicality and overall game were widespread.

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It was hoped that a temporary move to Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United would aid the development of the Hale End graduate.

However, the relative failure of that loan spell was a blessing in disguise for Nketiah, as he impressed Mikel Arteta with his performances in training upon being recalled.

He soon began sharing striker duties with Alexandre Lacazette, and although the Frenchman started the crucial FA Cup games, Nketiah – who recently moved to within one goal of the England U21 record – certainly made the most of his opportunities.

While Joe Willock became Arteta’s trusted super-sub towards the end of the 2019/2020 campaign, Nketiah now looks set to assume that mantle. That is something that should excite supporters. Last season, in 846 Arsenal minutes (which equates to 9.4 games), he scored four goals.

In his Gunners career (1,502 minutes =16.7 games), the 21-year-old has scored nine goals. His latest was a classic poacher’s goal, as he capitalised on Daniel Amartey’s fall and Danny Ward’s hesitancy to poke home a loose ball.

Nketiah may not be quite ready to assume a starting role, but he is an incredibly valuable asset. Besides being a willing runner (both offensively and defensively), his link-up play has improved tremendously, and he is guaranteed to score important goals with his predatory instincts.

Goalscorers are the most valuable commodity a football team can have. Whether Eddie Nketiah can continue his rich goalscoring form remains to be seen, regardless, his mentality deserves huge praise. Arsenal are fortunate that they can call upon a goalscorer of his quality.