Reiss Nelson put in another sterling performance in midfield for Arsenal against Benfica.
Instead of featuring for Arsenal XI against Boreham Wood FC mid-week, Nelson was kept in training with the first team after a few strong performances while the Gunners were away in Sydney and then China.
While away, he showed huge potential, maturity and drive to succeed.
However, his display against Benfica in Arsenal’s first clash of the Emirates Cup was probably his best yet.
Not only did the 17-year-old player like a footballer who’s been in the first team for more than a couple of weeks, he demonstrated a silky touch, lightning-quick speed and an eye for a pass.
https://twitter.com/ArsenalsRelated/status/891338751099764736
For Olivier Giroud’s goal – Arsenal’s fourth of the afternoon – Nelson picked out the Frenchman’s boot as if he’d had all the time in the world to tee it up, when it reality he’d just sent a Benfica player sliding the wrong way before stroking it into the box.
The fact that Nelson’s mentor on the training ground has been Mesut Ozil is no surprise.
We put it to you on Twitter, what impressed you the most about the England u18 international?
Movement,great on the ball,final ball is almost perfection.Almost.
— Albeyzo (@albert_mwamburi) July 29, 2017
Head is always up. Not afraid to take on players. We need leaders like that.
— Cocopayol Papi (@wromany) July 29, 2017
His vision has been incredible. He's driven and focused. Not greedy at all.
— Steps (@StepsAFC) July 29, 2017
His composure!
— Pat Moroney (@patmoroney) July 29, 2017
A great dribbler who's not afraid to take on defenders in the final 1/3. He could be the Wilshere replacement we've been looking for.
— Tom Brinkhoff (@RVAgooner) July 29, 2017
He looks a decent enough back-up to Bellerin if out – needs to be blooded in League Cup and possibly Group Stages of EL
— Dave Evans (@life_gooner1980) July 29, 2017
The teenager, who scored 12 goals and assisted six in 27 appearances last season, has shown that despite only playing for the youth team, he’s ready for the top level come August.
https://twitter.com/AndyAndya873/status/891341025448480769
Big fan of little Reiss Nelson. Just needs a better squad number, 61 is not elite or acceptable.
— S (@attwood10) July 29, 2017
I don't want to get too excited about Reiss Nelson but it's clear he's going to win the Balon d'Or next season.
— 1886 (@1886_blog) July 29, 2017
if Reiss Nelson was a Monaco player, he would probably be priced 40m
— Avalanche (@hunree) July 29, 2017
Reiss Nelson, how good is the young kid? Certainly deserves a go in the first team squad this season.
— Connor (@TikiTakaConnor) July 29, 2017
Every time Nelson gets the ball he gets fans on their feet. Always looking to beat his man. Drops the shoulder so quickly. Fearless.
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) July 29, 2017
Is Nelson expected to be a part of the team for the season ahead? The man does more on the pitch than Walcott
— ArsenalCreator (@ArsenalCreator1) July 29, 2017
While he may not get much of a look-in in the Premier League, hopefully he gets plenty of Europa League and Cup matches under his belt. He’s hugely talented and if Ozil is taking time out of his day to help mentor him, it’s obviously clear for his teammates to see.