Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson has hinted that he would prefer to play in an attacking role and not as a right wing-back.

The youngster filled in as a right wing-back during pre-season and did so well there that some have suggested playing him there on a more permanent basis. However, in an Instagram post via Football London, Nelson hinted that he would much prefer playing higher up the pitch.

Reiss Nelson

The post is in response to Nelson wearing the number two shirt and wing-back role against Derby in a recent outing for the U23s. It had been suggested that the Gunners winger could play as a wing-back should Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain leave to join Chelsea.

Many thought the teenager could take his place in the squad, perhaps due to the similar qualities he possesses, but his talents seem better used in an attacking role, I feel. Nelson did score twice in Monday’s 3-2 win against Derby.

He clearly regards himself as more of winger and performed well for Arsenal in pre-season. Nelson understandably wants to establish himself higher up the pitch, rather than play a withdrawn role that he’s not as experienced in.

The problem the teenager will have is the stiff competition in the Arsenal first-team. Alex Iwobi, Danny Welbeck, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are fighting it out for a starting place, meaning Nelson might have to be patient.