BREAKING NEWS: “Although we won, I have never seen such a dangerously aggressive young player like him before. He’s better than Messi in my opinion because of the way he moves with the ball,” Tottenham defender Pedro Porro names ONE Arsenal player as the toughest opposition player he has ever faced in his career

In an interview that’s caught the attention of both Arsenal and Tottenham fans alike, Spurs right-back Pedro Porro has made a jaw-dropping statement, comparing a young Arsenal player to none other than Lionel Messi. The revelation comes after their most recent North London clash, which Tottenham narrowly edged, but not without being rattled by one specific name in Arsenal’s lineup.

“Although we won, I have never seen such a dangerously aggressive young player like him before,” Porro admitted. “He’s better than Messi in my opinion because of the way he moves with the ball.”

Those words have sent shockwaves through the football community—not only because of the Messi comparison but because of who he was referring to: Ethan Nwaneri, Arsenal’s 17-year-old midfield sensation.

Pedro Porro, a defender who has faced some of the world’s most skillful attackers, said that no opponent has troubled him as much as Nwaneri did in their recent encounter. And while many might question whether the young Gunner is ready to be spoken of in the same breath as football’s greatest names, Porro insists the hype is justified.

“He’s unpredictable,” the Spaniard said. “You think you have him contained, then he turns, accelerates, and you’re chasing shadows. His football IQ is off the charts for someone that young.”

Nwaneri’s stock has been rising steadily since he made history in 2022 by becoming the youngest-ever Premier League debutant at just 15 years old. But this latest recognition, especially from a rival defender on the back of a high-stakes match, may be the biggest compliment yet in his young career.

What makes Porro’s comments even more compelling is that they come in the context of a victory. Tottenham may have taken the points, but the defender was more interested in the individual brilliance he witnessed on the pitch than in the final scoreline.

“He reminded me of how Messi used to move—low center of gravity, smooth dribbling, and fearless on the ball,” Porro continued. “If Arsenal nurtures him right, we’re looking at one of the next big stars in world football.”

Such bold praise from a seasoned Premier League defender is not just unusual—it’s rare. And it speaks volumes about how much Nwaneri has grown, even with limited first-team exposure. Mikel Arteta has been cautious in integrating the youngster, but many now believe it’s only a matter of time before Nwaneri becomes a regular starter.

Arsenal fans, already excited about the club’s promising crop of young talent, are now buzzing with renewed anticipation. With comparisons to Messi being thrown around—however premature—they know they have something special in Nwaneri. The calls for more playing time will only grow louder.

But as with all young talents, there is a need for balance. Arteta and his coaching staff will be aware that while the hype is flattering, pressure at this stage must be managed carefully. Still, having rivals acknowledge his ability in such a dramatic fashion is a clear indication that Nwaneri is already turning heads beyond North London.

As for Porro, he concluded with a message of admiration and warning: “We’ve played against Haaland, Salah, and more. But this kid? He’s a nightmare waiting to happen—for every defender in the league.”

One match. One impression. One risi