Ex-Man City star labels Nwaneri's record-breaking Premier League debut as pointless 

Former Manchester City defender Danny Mills has expressed his disappointment at the decision of Mikel Arteta to hand Ethan Nwaneri his Premier League debut at age 15.

Nwaneri's name went into the record books when he came on as a substitute for Fabio Vieira in the 90th minute, becoming the youngest player in Premier League history. 

Harvey Elliott of Liverpool had previously held the record at 16 years and 30 days when he was on the books of Fulham.

Mills believes that the record-breaking moment is 'pointless' and that youth players are better managed under Pep Guardiola.

"Rico Lewis magnificent for him to score. But what I like about what Pep does with the youngsters, he doesn't throw them in too soon, he doesn't throw youngsters in for the sake of it," Mills said on punditry duties for Sky Sports, via Metro UK.

"Think about what happened at Arsenal with Ethan Nwaneri. Got a minute of a game not played since.

"Played one Premier League 2 game, one in the U21s, only four in the U18s and been involved in the U17s.

"So, what was the point of that? If you get into this Manchester City side you deserve it." 

The Nigeria-eligible forward has played four U18 Premier League games, two for the U21s, and has a senior appearance in the Premier League to his name this season.

Nwaneri was handed his Premier League debut against Brentford on September 18, 2022 amid speculation surrounding his long-term future at the Emirates Stadium. 

Toyosi Afolayan

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