'Ethan Nwaneri has won over his Marseille teammates - but he can improve in two areas'

Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri impressed his Marseille team-mates but has since dropped out of the team

Ethan Nwaneri impressed the Marseille squad almost instantly but he now faces the task of battling his way back into the side. The Arsenal loanee has found himself on the periphery in recent weeks following a turbulent spell at the club.

Nwaneri scored on his Marseille debut against Lens the day after completing his switch during the January transfer window. The 18-year-old struck after only 13 minutes in a 3-1 victory for his new side, leading many supporters to expect the Arsenal prospect would continue to flourish under manager Roberto De Zerbi.

However, shortly after his standout display, Nwaneri was substituted at the half-time interval on two occasions. The Marseille boss insisted he was trying to protect the teenager, only for the manager to depart the club following a 5-0 hammering by PSG in early February.

A caretaker boss temporarily took charge before ex-Rennes manager Habib Beye was appointed De Zerbi's permanent replacement. Since Nwaneri's debut, the club have secured just one victory from their last six matches and Marseille's decline has led to a diminished role for the Arsenal youngster.

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The 18-year-old remained on the bench throughout the first match following De Zerbi's exit, while new manager Beye introduced him for 20 minutes during a defeat to Brest. Journalist Fabrice Lamperti covers Marseille for La Provence and feels frustrated that Nwaneri has faced such struggles after immediately impressing his new team-mates.

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"They were blown away by his performance against Lens," he told football.london. "Afterwards, the crisis hit everyone and Nwaneri can no longer showcase his footballing ability or talent. A real shame."

The Arsenal loanee started four successive games under De Zerbi, though he was substituted at half-time on two occasions, including during the loss to PSG. It has been a sharp learning curve for Nwaneri, who was quickly inserted into the Marseille side after battling for game time with Arsenal, only to find himself returned to the substitutes' bench.

"After Lens, everyone was enthusiastic," Lamperti recalled. "OM still had ambitious goals ahead and Nwaneri could help the club achieve them. But then everything fell apart.

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"Nwaneri had a poor game against PSG and everyone realised how much work he still had to do. It's not easy for him, having gone from being a substitute most of the time at Arsenal to an undisputed starter at OM. That's hard to grasp when you're so young.

"In Marseille, expectations are very high and poor performances are rarely forgiven, especially when they come in quick succession. Right now, everyone is left wanting more... but the season isn't over yet."

Despite encountering numerous challenges during his first month at the club, Nwaneri has shown flashes of his potential in a Marseille jersey. Based on the midfielder's performances so far, Lamperti suggests that Nwaneri's early difficulties could ultimately improve his game.

"His main strength is his dribbling, his ability to beat opponents," Lamperti explained. "He also has an excellent left foot and isn't afraid to try things even after missing earlier opportunities. He seems to have great confidence in himself and his football.

"I think he can improve his decision-making: knowing when to pass or attempt a dribble and not getting stuck in a pre-prepared pattern. He also needs to become mentally stronger. In Marseille, he's certainly got what he needs!"

Nwaneri will be eager to impress new manager Beye as he quickly did with the rest of the Marseille team. He will be competing for a starting spot as the club prepare to host Lyon on Sunday.

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