Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah scored a hat-trick as England’s U21s thrashed Kosovo 6-0 in a European Under 21 Championship qualifier last night.
The 21-year-old has been handed the captain’s armband by manager Aidy Boothroyd and he led by example by scoring three goals in the space of just ten minutes early in the second half.
Gunners teammate Reiss Nelson bagged the fourth, with Tottenham’s Ryan Sessegnon and Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham sealing a convincing victory, but it was Nketiah’s standout display which caught the eye of Arsenal fans on Twitter:
The lads growth is amazing
— Nice Arsenal Fan (@NiceArsenalFan5) September 4, 2020
don’t sleep on eddie lads he’s a goal machine give him time
— ?⚪️#FreePartey (@Clockend_Harry) September 4, 2020
And people saying we need to cash in on him lmao
— Sam (@SamHarrison_99) September 4, 2020
Top baller. Will come good.
— H ? (@_sakalinho) September 4, 2020
Have patience on this guy please. He's a good poacher and finisher, but just needs that one big moment and he'll breakthrough.
— The Lebanese Lad (@berdyboy47) September 4, 2020
He is the next Ian Wright
— Attaboy (@Disk__et) September 5, 2020
Aubameyang's replacement in 3 years time…
— Raf ?⚪ (@goonerforever_) September 4, 2020
He will be a top goal scorer as he age. Everyone can't become a phenomenon at 18 like Mbappe. So give him time. He's humble and hardworking. Waits for his chance and never complain. That's the real attitude to move forward. Wish him well for the future.
— Miad Arteta ?? (@banterman_007) September 5, 2020
Head coach Mikel Arteta has shown great faith in the forward since he was recalled from a disappointing loan spell at Leeds back in January. The Gunners boss handed him seven league starts in the second half of last season and the player has thanked the Spaniard for helping him develop his game.
Supporters will be hoping that Nketiah can bring that lethal touch in front of goal back with him when he returns to action with his club next week.