BREAKING NEWS: I have played against Lamine yamal,Nico Williams and even Pedro before at the national team but you See this particular Academy prospect, He’s better than all of them combined”, Mikel Merino named ONE Arsenal academy player as a better player than Yamal and Pedri EVERYONE LOVES HIS PERFORMANCE YESTERDAY

🔻🚩BREAKING NEWS: “I have played against Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and even Pedri before at the national team — but this particular Academy prospect? He’s better than all of them combined,” Mikel Merino declares ONE Arsenal academy player better than Yamal and Pedri as everyone praises his performance yesterday 🔥🔥

Football fans across the world are buzzing after Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino made a bold and unexpected statement during an exclusive interview with Sky Sports. The Spanish international didn’t hold back as he showered immense praise on one of Arsenal’s rising academy stars, claiming the youngster surpasses the talents of Spain’s elite trio — Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Pedri.

“I’ve played against Lamine, Nico, and even Pedri with the national team,” Merino began, clearly impressed. “But you see this particular Arsenal academy prospect? He’s better than all of them combined.” His words have since gone viral, setting off massive debates across football forums and social media platforms.

While Merino didn’t name the player directly, multiple reports confirm that he was referring to Ethan Nwaneri, the 17-year-old Hale End prodigy who stunned everyone with a match-winning hat-trick in Arsenal’s 3-1 North London Derby victory over Tottenham. The teenager’s sensational performance, including a breathtaking 30-yard screamer, has quickly made him the talk of world football.

The young midfielder’s exploits come as no surprise to Arsenal fans who have followed his journey closely. Having made his debut at just 15 — becoming the youngest player in Premier League history — Nwaneri has developed rapidly under Mikel Arteta, blending maturity and flair far beyond his years. Against Spurs, his confidence, movement, and composure drew comparisons to club legends like Cesc Fàbregas and Jack Wilshere.

Merino, who joined Arsenal last summer from Real Sociedad for £31.6 million, has played alongside some of Europe’s finest talents, including Yamal, Williams, and Pedri. That experience, he insists, allows him to recognise world-class potential when he sees it. “Ethan’s got the vision of Pedri, the fearlessness of Yamal, and the pace of Nico,” Merino said. “He’s technically elite and mentally fearless. You can’t teach that.”

Following his remarks, reactions poured in from players and pundits alike. Pedri himself responded graciously on Instagram, calling Nwaneri “a beast” and adding, “competition makes us all better.” Meanwhile, both Yamal and Williams liked the post — a gesture fans interpreted as mutual respect rather than rivalry. On social media, the hashtag #NwaneriBetterThanYamal trended globally, amassing hundreds of thousands of tweets within hours.

Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta also weighed in after the match, visibly proud of both the youngster and his experienced teammate. “Ethan’s performance speaks for itself,” Arteta said during the post-match press conference. “Mikel’s praise means a lot — he’s faced the best in the world. But what I love most is Ethan’s humility. He just wants to keep learning.”

Beyond the excitement, this moment highlights the continued success of Arsenal’s Hale End academy, which has produced stars like Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and now, possibly, Ethan Nwaneri, who many believe could define the next generation of English football. Insiders say Nwaneri’s dedication and discipline have impressed the coaching staff as much as his raw skill. He trains like a senior pro, staying behind after sessions to work on finishing and free kicks — habits that have quickly elevated him above his peers.

In the broader picture, Arsenal’s rise this season mirrors Nwaneri’s own growth. The Gunners currently sit top of the Premier League table with 28 points from 11 matches, powered by a balanced mix of experience and youth. Merino’s integration into the squad has added midfield strength and stability, while Nwaneri’s creativity has injected unpredictability into their attack. Their partnership on the pitch — a blend of mentorship and mutual respect — is fast becoming one of Arsenal’s biggest assets.

Football analysts have already started drawing lofty comparisons, suggesting Nwaneri could become a hybrid between Phil Foden and Martin Ødegaard — two modern attacking midfielders known for their intelligence and artistry. If Merino’s words prove prophetic, Arsenal may be nurturing one of Europe’s next superstars right under their nose.

As Merino summed up passionately, “You’ll see. He’s got that something special — the kind that can change a game, a season, even an era.” For Arsenal fans, those words ring like music. After years of building and believing, it seems their academy is once again producing players destined not just for greatness but for global superstardom.

And if Mikel Merino is right, yesterday’s hat-trick wasn’t just a statement — it was a glimpse into the future of football.