Reiss Nelson is prepared to bide his time and wait for his chance to shine at Arsenal, but plenty of the club’s supporters are certainly excited to see him feature on a regular basis.
The winger played throughout pre-season and was handed a surprise start on Sunday in the Gunners’ 1-0 win away against Newcastle United.
Nelson looked at home in the Premier League, and Unai Emery may be tempted to give him more frequent opportunities to impress as the campaign progresses.
However, as quoted by The Evening Standard, the youngster was keen to keep his feet on the ground. He said:
For me, I just want to take things as they come. I went away in Germany and I think I did well. But the main goal for me has always been playing in an Arsenal shirt week in, week out.
The boss told me on Wednesday I would be starting and to get mentally prepared. It was a great gesture from the boss and I’m just happy to be back playing in Arsenal colours.
I need to be prepared all the time for whenever I get the call-up because I know it’s not guaranteed I’m going to be starting week in, week out with the team-mates we have.
Nelson has long been an exciting player in the youth ranks at Arsenal, and these Gunners fans clearly have high hopes about his capabilities…
Twitter: Arsenal fans. This is Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson’s first full Premier League season for Arsenal in the first team… https://t.co/cUeypH3eMW (@rgclarke92)
Twitter: I’ve said this before about Reiss Nelson; I love the way he doesn’t want to dwell on the ball, he’s always on the m… https://t.co/fwouQnxGWJ (@GrimandiTweets_)
Twitter: Reiss Nelson looks a player. Such good balance, an excellent first touch and really good work rate. Please stay pat… https://t.co/eSkBJSmczr (@ltarsenal)
Twitter: Well done Reiss Nelson.
Blinding performance.
(@ArsenesGlasses_)
Read Arsenal’s verdict
With Alex Iwobi having joined Everton, it’s likely that Nelson will get his fair share of chances throughout the course of the season.
The youngster looked good at Hoffenheim last term on loan, and also showed promising signs during Arsenal’s pre-season campaign. He certainly seems to have worked his way into Emery’s thinking.
Nelson is right not to expect weekly football just yet; the Gunners have plenty of options for the attacking berths. However, if he can continue to develop and prove his worth when opportunities do arise, he has all the makings of a top player.
