Media outlets in Germany have been reacting to Ethan Nwaneri’s performances for Borussia Dortmund after the youngster’s loan move from Arsenal.
Nwaneri, 19, is one of the biggest talents to have come through the Arsenal academy system, making his Premier League debut at the age of just 15 years and 181 days.
Since then, the teenager has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot in Mikel Arteta’s team and spent the second part of the 25/26 season on loan at French side Marseille.
During the summer transfer window, Nwaneri was shipped out on loan again, this time to German Bundesliga giants Dortmund.
Nwaneri impressed during his debut, playing a role in Dortmund’s comeback win over Hoffenheim.
Following Dortmund’s 2-2 draw against Werder Bremen, the German media have again delivered a verdict on Nwaneri, who played 63 minutes before being replaced by Fabio Silva. He scored a wonderful bicycle kick goal, but his joy was sharply halted by VAR.
Reacting to Nwaneri’s latest performance, BILD gave the youngster a rating of just five out of 10, which was the joint lowest alongside Dortmund teammate Marcel Sabitzer.
BILD claimed: “But then Nwaneri scored a stunning bicycle kick (62nd minute) to seemingly give Dortmund the lead. Dortmund celebrated – but only briefly.
“The reason: Referee Christian Dingert ruled [Waldemar] Anton’s slight push on [Niclas] Fullkrug an offensive foul. Therefore, VAR couldn’t intervene. A bitter evening for Dortmund.”
Meanwhile, Spox believed that although Nwaneri struggled in the early parts of the game, his influence grew as the minutes went by, which ended with a rating of three out of six.
Spox said: “Nwaneri initially remained relatively inconspicuous, but then developed into Dortmund’s most dangerous player in front of goal.
“With his first truly good attacking move, he beautifully chipped the ball into Beier’s path before his big chance (43rd minute).
“After that, several of his shots were either just a touch too inaccurate or were thwarted by the excellent Bremen goalkeeper Hein. He was then replaced by Silva after just over an hour. Rating: 3.”
Goal stated that Nwaneri showed ‘good technical security’ on the wing but as mentioned by BILD and Spox, failed to truly impact the match.
The publisher wrote: “The teenager showed good technical security on the flank but found it difficult to impact the game in the final third against a deep-sitting Bremen block. He was replaced by Fabio Silva just past the hour mark.”
So far this season, Nwaneri has recorded one assist in five matches across all competitions and is yet to complete 90 minutes for his new club.
Dortmund will return to action on Wednesday night when they take on Bodoe/Glimt in the UEFA Champions League.
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