The Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has praised Ethan Nwaneri as “pure talent” and one of the finest 17-year-olds he has ever witnessed.

On Saturday, Nwaneri continued his extraordinary ascent by scoring his inaugural Premier League goal in Arsenal’s victory over Nottingham Forest.

The teenager has tallied three goals for the Gunners in the Carabao Cup this season, in addition to this one.

Calafiori is of the opinion that Nwaneri’s greatest potential is yet to be realized, and he has been impressed by his ascension to Arsenal’s first-team roster this season.

“I am exceedingly pleased for him,” he declared. “He was truly deserving of it.” He is a genuine talent in my opinion, and it is inevitable that he will continue to demonstrate his abilities on the field.

“Certainly, the senior players are assisting him in acclimating; however, the young players are not in need of this assistance, as they have felt a sense of belonging to the team since the very first day.” I experienced the same sensation upon my arrival. This is our trade secret.

Calafiori denied that he had encountered or engaged in play with a 17-year-old comparable to Nwaneri. I have never encountered it. He has the potential to be exceptionally talented.

Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest was a vital one for them as they look to keep pace with Premier League leaders Liverpool.

It ended a run of four league games without a victory and Calafiori believes they can string some wins together now.

“It was an amazing performance by everyone and the energy as well was unbelievable,” he said. “We really enjoyed the game.

“Honestly all season has been like this, we’re prepared for this. We don’t really look at the standings right now. We just want to win as many games as possible.

“The season is so long. You cannot just think about it now. From my side, I only think about winning the next game and the whole team has the same idea as me.”

Arsenal have been boosted by the return of captain Martin Odegaard, who shone on Saturday in what was his first appearance at Emirates Stadium since August.

“You can feel it when he’s missing,” said Calafiori. “He gives us a lot of energy and quality.

Martin Odegaard’s return has provided a major lift for ArsenalArsenal FC via Getty Images

“I can’t tell you one thing but you can feel it whether he is on or off the pitch. When he’s missing we feel it.

“Him and Bukayo [Saka], what they did tonight was unbelievable. It’s good to have them back.”

Arsenal also kept a first clean sheet in the Premier League since the middle of September, when they won at Tottenham.

Calafiori, who was making his first appearance since October after being out with a knee injury, was key to that and during the win over Forest he celebrated one vital interception as if he had just scored.

“When you cannot score this is your goal, your way to score,” he said. “I really enjoyed being on the pitch, I missed this feeling and my team-mates a lot.

“I want to enjoy everything from now on. It was not easy [being injured], but as I said before, tonight was amazing. The way we started, the energy the fans give me, the team-mates help me a lot. I give my energy as well to the game.”