Former Arsenal icon Patrick Vieira believes that a 24-year-old star of the team is constantly subjected to harsh criticism by the media, regardless of his performance. This player in question is Eddie Nketiah, who recently delivered a career-best Premier League performance against Sheffield United, netting a hat-trick to secure a resounding victory for Arsenal. Despite this standout performance, Nketiah has faced his fair share of doubters throughout his career, with many questioning his ability to lead the line for the club.
It’s frustrating to witness the relentless critique of Nketiah, particularly given his youth and immense potential. Leroy Rosenior, a pundit speaking on Premier League Productions, has come to Nketiah’s defense. Rosenior highlights that Nketiah has been the subject of unwarranted criticism, especially after big matches where he may not have scored. He emphasizes the need for a confidence boost for the young striker, stressing that the criticism can be excessive and detrimental to his development.
Criticism of Nketiah often centers on his performance in major games, with some pundits and fans quick to point out his shortcomings when he fails to score. This is a common issue in football, where the complexities of the game, such as build-up play, team shape, and movement, can be overlooked in favor of focusing on a striker’s goal-scoring record. Nketiah’s situation is reminiscent of a game against Manchester United earlier in the season, where he excelled in terms of linking play and creating opportunities but faced criticism solely because he didn’t score, while players like Gabriel Jesus received less scrutiny.
Despite the unjust criticism, Nketiah has shown brilliance throughout the current season in almost every game he’s played. His development as a young, natural goal-scorer has been evident, and his recent hat-trick performance is a testament to his potential.
