The Premier League is known to be the best league in the world but the players who have played in it have also had one major rating about it; that it is the toughest in the world. Well, those two go hand in hand; the harder it is, the better paying it will be.
Over time, we have seen top players grace the league and go. Many have been successful, and some have fallen by the wayside. It is all normal. In the last round of matches however, we were treated to a new milestone as Ethan Nwaneri became the youngest player to feature in the toughest league in the world.
Born to Nigerian parents, Ethan Chidiebere Nwaneri, aged just 15, made his first ever Premier League appearance for Arsenal, coming off the bench in the 3-0 win over Brentford. While he didn’t have a lot of time to impose himself in the game, the milestone was recognized.
He may be a future prospect for the Nigeria national team but for now all focus will be on if Mikel Arteta will give him more minutes after making headlines with his first appearance. It will definitely not stop there; Nwaneri has to prove that indeed he deserves this chance. All eyes will be checking on if his touted prowess can influence Arsenal ratings on Wincomparator as the Gunners seek a breakthrough in terms of silverware and European football.
Nwaneri is the youngest to feature in the Premier League but definitely not the first teenager to play at this stage. Here are other youngsters to have featured at this stage while still in their teens:
Harvey Elliot – the Liverpool youngster had his debut while at Fulham in May 2019, then aged 16 years and a month. He is currently a first team member at Liverpool.
Mathew Briggs – Currently playing as a semi professional, Briggs made his debut at Fulham in 2007 aged 16 years and two months. He went on to play 13 league games and is currently at Gosport Borough.
Izzy Brown – Currently a free agent, Brown debuted in the Premier League under West Bromwich Albion in 2013 when aged 16 years and three months. He went on to also play for Chelsea and Brighton, making 15 league appearances. He was recently released by Preston North End.
Aaron Lennon – Englishman Lennon played his first Premier League game as a 16 year old and four months in 2003 when playing for Leeds United. He went on to make 416 appearances and is currently a free agent after his release from Burnley in June.
Jose Baxter – Once a promising young player, Baxter got his Premier League debut for Everton in 2008. Back then he was aged 16 and six months. His star didn’t shine for long though; he made just seven appearances in the league. He has since retired. At his retirement, he featured in the USL for Memphis 901 FC.
Rushian Hepburn-Murphy – Another youthful talent that didn’t stay too long in the Premier League. Rushian was 16 years and six months when he got his Aston Villa debut in 2015. He would however, just play one more game in the league, and is currently at Swindon Town in League Two.