Rather inevitably, given his status as a first-team player, it was Yaya Sanogo who hit the headlines for his goal in Arsenal U23s’ 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at London Colney today.
Joining him on the scoresheet, though, was Reiss Nelson, a young prospect who could very soon be part of the senior squad himself.
Nelson has long been tipped to make the breakthrough at Arsenal and his qualities are evident within an instant of watching him – he possesses excellent close control, is an exquisite passer and is starting to find the net with increasing regularity.
Versatility is now becoming one of his main traits, too. Although he is most comfortable operating either as a winger or an attacking midfielder, Nelson has often been deployed deeper in midfield in recent games, with the move designed to improve his overall tactical awareness.
Although he can occasionally be rash in the challenge, with regards to his attacking qualities Nelson has little to learn. He is perfectly suited to Arsenal’s style of play and it is becoming increasingly apparent that it is now a question of when rather than if we will see him involved in the first-team at Arsenal.
There is a good chance that the 17-year-old will be involved in the League Cup next season, most likely as a substitute, and, although there is a feeling that he is ready to make an impact in the first-team right now, the club are eager not to rush him.
For now Nelson is thriving for Arsenal at U23 level and is one of the star performers in the team despite being one of the youngest players involved. Possessing much self-confidence, the prospect is very direct in his approach and isn’t afraid to take players on, often with positive results.
It is, of course, important not to get carried away and we must wait to assess him in a first-team environment, but all of the signs suggest that Nelson, at the very least, has a good chance of making the cut at Arsenal.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
I think it would be good for him to start making some cameo appearances from the bench. The club really need some bright sparks and this kid has the talent to start bringing a bit of positivity around the team again.
If he weren’t English, then sure, let him get more involved. But he is English, so the hype machine will go into overdrive if and when he makes an appearance.
Saying that, it’s working out well for Demarai Gray.
Versatility is now becoming one of his main traits, too. Although he is most comfortable operating either as a winger or an attacking midfielder, Nelson has often been deployed deeper in midfield in recent games, with the move designed to improve his overall tactical awareness.
Can’t someone in arsenal just have a permanent position?
yes, the keepers 🙂
let’s not forget arsenal turned bellerin into a fullback where he’s arguably one of the best in the world. thierry went from left wing to striker and thrived. cazorla went from attacking mid to left wing to deep lying mid and he was/is playing some of his best football, no?
Eboué went from right back to right winger.
Sounds a very exciting prospect. Thanks George!
always nice to hear the academy is working well baring injury he will get a good career in football early prospects are good