Young attacker Reiss Nelson gave his verdict after Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Sydney FC yesterday.

• Nelson was pleased with his performance
• He’s been training as a wing-back for the last week
• He talked about his squad initiation

The 18-year-old was voted Arsenal’s man of the match after a highly impressive display at right wing-back in front 80,000 people.

Neither the crowd or the fact that it was his debut phased him. Nelson reflected on the win while speaking to Arsenal.com.

“I’m really happy, more happy with the performance and so excited that I got on and showed what I can do.”

Normally a winger, Nelson revealed that Wenger had been preparing him to play wing-back since the beginning of training.

“The boss put me there [at wing back], I think for the last week or so now. I’ve got used to it now and have just had to adapt to that. It’s not my normal position but I don’t mind at the moment.

“The role is up and down. You’ve got to be very clever when you attack, knowing when to attack and when to defend, knowing when to tuck in.”

Pre-season tours are usually an opportunity for young players to show what they can do, and Nelson believes the squad has the right balance of youth and experience to help him settle.

“It’s really good, I’m really excited. The fans have been great and hopefully I go on many more.

“Sometimes it helps having other young players around. But I think the senior ones help me a lot as well, so it’s been really good.”

As a new member of the first team squad, Nelson, as well fellow youngsters Eddie Nketiah and Joe Willock, had to sign an initiation song in front of the squad.

“Yeah, I did do it, unfortunately, on the first night – me, Eddie [Nketiah] and Joe [Willock] sang ‘One Dance’ by Drake. I was the best so far, so it’s alright!”

Asked what was more nerve-wracking between singing in front of his team mates and playing in front of 80,000, he said:

“I’ll probably say 80,000, yeah!”