Gary Neville names Arsenal superstar as his most surprising player of the season
Gary Neville has admitted that Eddie Nketiah’s performance for Arsenal this season has surprised him.
This season, Nketiah has scored nine goals in 27 appearances across all competitions for the Gunners.
The 23-year-old has replaced Gabriel Jesus since the Brazilian striker sustained an injury during the World Cup.
Since the resumption of the season, seven of his goals have been scored in the last nine matches, and his impact up front has helped Arsenal maintain momentum at the top of the Premier League table.
Last month, he reached his peak when he scored twice in Arsenal’s 3-2 victory over Manchester United.
Neville admitted that he had underestimated Nketiah, who has been primarily utilized as a backup striker during his time at Arsenal.
Neville told The Overlap that Nketiah was the Premier League player who had surprised the most during the current campaign. ”I’m going to go [for] Nketiah. I thought when Jesus got injured, I thought that could be a problem. I think he’s played really well for Arsenal.”
Neville is not the only one who is surprised by Nketiah’s influence. Last month, fellow analyst Chris Sutton made a similar admission, stating that he had “proved me and many others wrong” by seizing his opportunity “with both hands.”
At least one prominent voice praised Nketiah’s two goals against United, with Roy Keane comparing him to Ian Wright. . “He reminds me in his movement and even his interviews – and I’m gonna put him under huge pressure here – of Ian Wright,” he said on Sky Sports.
“Like he used to do, not getting many touches but that sharpness in the box, which we see as well for the winning goal. If you’re hanging around the box and you’re a sharp striker, you’ll get your chances and your goals.”
Nketiah’s recent play has been so consistent that Jesus may not regain his starting position once he is healthy. Jesus has now returned to Arsenal’s London Colney training facility, but his return to the pitch is still a ways off.
During the same segment on The Overlap, Jamie Carragher chose a different surprise player. Due to his lack of height, the former Liverpool defender questioned in August whether Lisandro Martinez could be successful at center-back for United.
He has now eaten his words. “Lisandro Martínez has been brilliant,” Carragher said. “To be that small and play centre-back, you obviously have to be a special player.
“He’s been a big part of Manchester United’s spirit. There was a game I saw a few weeks ago and he was a sub, and someone scored a late goal, and he was right involved in the celebrations.”
Gary Neville names Arsenal superstar as his most surprising player of the season
