Former Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood has praised Arsenal hitman Eddie Nketiah in a recent interview – but he also says that he ‘feels sorry’ for him, due to how he is underrated by the fans.

Sherwood mentioned that Gunners fans are ‘always asking questions about him and looking what he can’t do’. He feels this is unfair, due to the amount of positive attributes that Nketiah brings to the table.

The former Leeds United loanee was excellent in his latest outing, as Arsenal dismantled Sheffield United by a score of 5-0 – Nketiah netted a hattrick along the way.

What did Tim Sherwood say regarding Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah?

Speaking to Sky Sports, Sherwood mused: “I feel sorry for Eddie Nketiah, because people [in general] and Arsenal fans, no matter who it is, they are always asking questions about him and looking what he can’t do.

“I like to look at what he can do. He can play in a lot of teams. A lot of big teams. You’re telling me this boy couldn’t play for Man United at the moment instead of Rasmus Hojlund? He’s an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund. [Manchester United] spent an awful lot of money on him. For me, Eddie Nketiah is top drawer. I think he warrants playing for Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.”

Is Eddie Nketiah a better player than Rasmus Hojlund?

Comparing Nketiah with Hojlund is difficult, as both players are at very different stages in their respective careers. Nketiah is 24 years old and has played in England for the entirety of his career – Hojlund, meanwhile, is four years younger and only joined the Premier League back in July of this year.

Nevertheless, we’ll take a look at how each player’s stats lineup against each other [via FBref]. So far this season, in the Premier League, Nketiah has five goals in ten games, while Hojlund has yet to score in six. He has, however, scored three goals in the Champions League to Nketiah’s tally of zero.

In terms of their play style, the two are relatively similar. They are both physical, pacey forwards who can create no end of trouble for defences with their energy and clever movement off the ball.

As things stand, you would have to say that Nketiah is the superior player – but once Hojlund gains some experience in the Premier League, this could be very different.