Arsenal Under-18s coach Jack Wilshere is the perfect mentor to take Ethan Nwaneri under his wing, according to Martin Odegaard. The 15-year-old was brought on in the latter stages of the Gunners' clash with Brentford and became the youngest ever player to play in the Premier League.
Nwaneri, who made his Under-21s debut last month, came on for Fabio Vieira to help the north London side see out a 3-0 win. The midfielder was thrown into the spotlight and quickly became Hale End's next big star over night.
Odegaard was subject to just as much - if not more - coverage when he too made his senior debut at the same age before becoming heavily linked with a move to a vast majority of Europe's biggest clubs. A year later, at just 16-years-old, he penned a deal with Real Madrid and, like Nwaneri, had the weight of the world on his shoulders.
READ MORE: Gabriel Martinelli outlines huge career double dream in potential Arsenal transfer warning
Aware of the pressure that the England youth international is dealing with, the Arsenal captain has been left impressed by Nwaneri. And, Odegaard believes that Wilshere is the perfect mentor to help the teenage sensation become a first-team regular one day.
In an interview with the Evening Standard, the Norway international said: "At the end of that Brentford game Ethan Nwaneri came on and became our youngest ever player aged 15. It’s similar to my story in a way, because I was about the same age when I made my professional debut.
"The big difference though is that I was doing it at a Norwegian club and Ethan is at Arsenal! But then I went to Madrid and played there at the age of 16, so it’s a bit similar. What I think is important now is to not put extra pressure on Ethan by speaking about him too much.
"We should just give him time to keep on developing his game," Odegaard added. "Obviously he’s got lots of talent and I’m sure he can make a big future for himself, but we need to give him space and time to carry on working without pressure.
"He needs to keep on playing, keep enjoying his football, keep working hard and then you will get what you deserve. For me that’s the most important thing to tell him - keep working hard, keep pushing hard every day, stay humble and then your talent will be rewarded.
"He has lots of people around him to help him with his journey - and nobody will know better than his under-18 coach Jack Wilshere, because he was in that position at Arsenal too. I’m sure he’s in great hands and he will keep on working now, but he should be proud of making his debut too."
READ NEXT:
Takehiro Tomiyasu to be granted Arsenal request by Mikel Arteta during defining six-week period
Thierry Henry has told Mikel Arteta why Arsenal must intercept Chelsea's £56m bargain transfer
Arsenal director resigns as Mikel Arteta set to receive further backing at board level
Arsenal's next six Premier League fixtures compared to Chelsea, Tottenham, Man Utd and Man City
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
