‘If you want to win’: Sky Sports pundit wowed by ‘phenomenal’ Arsenal 21-year-old

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has been praised by Sky Sports pundit Andy Hinchcliffe, deeming the Gunners gem the “obvious player to look at” ahead of England’s upcoming Under-21 European Championship group games.

The 21-year-old became the all-time top goalscorer for England’s Under-21s last year, surpassing Alan Shearer and Francis Jeffers, and currently boasts a tally of 16 goals from 14 Young Lions appearances.

Nketiah will hope to add to his tally in the March international break as Aidy Boothroyd’s charges prepare to face Switzerland, Portugal and Croatia in the group stage, with the knockout stage to be played in May and June.

Hinchcliffe believes the Hale End graduate could have a big say in these game given his “phenomenal” record at this level, and with Boothroyd opting for a blend of experience and newcomers, they have a good platform to do well.

“Aidy is looking at a blend of experience and some newcomers,” Hinchcliffe told Sky Sports. “Smith Rowe, Josh Griffiths, Noni Madueke and Tanganga are all uncapped, while Tom Davies is in with the most caps.

“Eddie Nketiah is the obvious player to look at – if you want to win these games, Nketiah’s goalscoring record of 16 goals in 14 caps is phenomenal at this level.”

TBR View:

Nketiah has been a superb player for Arsenal and England at age level, but admittedly, he’s yet to kick on at senior level and has struggled for game time this season.

With his contract running until 2022, Mikel Arteta has a choice to make regarding the player’s future – can he show he’s got what it takes to take his Under-21 heroics to senior level and earn himself a new deal?