Tim Sherwood has lauded ’s hat-trick hero Eddie Nketiah, who he feels could easily play for because he is an ‘upgrade’ on .
Nketiah registered the first hat-trick of his career as the Gunners smashed 20th-placed Sheffield United 5-0 at the Emirates on Saturday, with boss Mikel Arteta even handing him the captain’s armband in the second half.
It was a spectacular performance from the 24-year-old England international striker and Sherwood feels he would be a starter for plenty of top clubs, including United, who spent £72m to sign forward Hojlund in the summer transfer window.
‘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,’ Sherwood told Sky Sports.
‘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. [United] spent an awful lot of money on him.
‘For me, Eddie Nketiah is top draw. I think he warrants playing for Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.
‘Gabriel Jesus has [not] helped him out massively as well. They’re always looking for something else and I think we should appreciate what we’ve got in front of our nose.
‘That boy has come through the academy. He had opportunities to leave and did not want to leave the football club. He’s got a right to stay there and fight for his place.
‘Mikel Arteta has realised that the boy really wants to play for the club. He’s put the armband on today with a match ball under his arm. What a moment for him and his family. I cannot speak highly enough of him.’
Nketiah, meanwhile, has dedicated his hat-trick to his late auntie and also thanked team-mate Declan Rice for an assist.
‘It’s not been easy – last month I lost my auntie so I want to dedicate these three goals to her,’ Nketiah told the BBC.
‘Her family was here watching so it is a really special moment.
‘These games are about patience, not losing discipline. For the first goal, it was a good ball from Dec and a lovely touch and finish from myself.
‘The second, I thought it was clean to go but it is never nice when see the purple VAR screen turns up.
‘The third was amazing, a great strike and a special moment.’
