When it comes to ‘the next big thing’, Arsenal fans have always been first on the scene to boast about a young player making a scene in the academy.
Most of the time it ends up being a flash in the pan, and before you know it that very same player is heading out on loan to some Dutch side you have to check out on Google.
However, when it comes to Reiss Nelson I don’t think I’ve seen such a promising player in our youth set-up since Jack Wilshere (but the less said about him the better for the sake of this article).
At just 17 years of age, Nelson is already playing above his level in the U23’s and having secured a spot on our pre-season tour over the summer, has gone from strength to strength.
Likely Line-Up vs. Cologne: Alexis, Wilshere and Giroud To Start
Not many of us would’ve known about the youngster last season, but his prompt arrival into the attacking ranks of our youth teams has injected a much needed hint of excitement.
Nelson played a part in five out of seven of our pre-season matches, including a competitive debut for the first team during the Community Shield triumph over Chelsea to kick of the campaign.
Picking up this sort of experience with senior members of the club and playing against the likes of Bayern Munich has given Nelson a taste of what’s to come in the near future.
Helped by knowing the faith Wenger has put in his best friends of Alex Iwobi and Jeff Reine-Adelaide, Nelson will be handed the chance to show he’s ready for the big time.
That all starts this evening as Arsenal kick off their path to the Europa League final by welcoming Bundesliga’s Cologne to the Emirates Stadium, a venue Nelson has played at many times with the U23’s.
Having recently scooped the Player of the Month award from the Premier League 2 for his five goals in three games, Nelson is a player in form and raring to go on the right wing.
In-Depth Analysis Proves Lacazette Out-Trumps Morata and Lukaku
Wenger faces a decision on whether or not to throw the prodigy into the deep end by using him at wing-back, or let him get comfortable in the more familiar position of centre-attacking midfield.
Personally I think he would thrive playing in-front of a crowd that all want the best for him, but playing in a familiar role will only increase his confidence over time, something that’s hard to come by against a highly demanding set of supporters.
We need a boost in what has been an unsettling start to the season and I think Nelson is a player who isn’t afraid to take chances and make himself look a bit silly at times.
His determination to become a first-team regular is so clear that he’ll work 10x more than any other player in the starting XI, so I really hope we get to see him pick up a decent amount of minutes.
Want more Arsenal news, views and updates just like this? Make sure you’re following Fresh Arsenal on Twitter and Facebook today!