Reiss Nelson admits that while he’s just happy to be getting minutes for Arsenal’s first team at the moment, he would like to play in a more advanced role in the future.
Nelson made his first senior start for Arsenal against Doncaster Rovers in the League Cup on Wednesday night.
The 17-year-old was played at wing-back and didn’t have the most exciting match. Although nor did most of the squad since they only managed to narrowly win 1-0 against their League One opposition.
While the England youth international insists that he’s just happy to get picked, he also admits that he would like to play in a more attacking role in the future.
“It’s a dream (to make my first start),” he said at the FIFA 18 Launch Party. “I want to do that all the time. I’m 17 and I’ve always wanted to do that, make my debut at the Emirates.
“Whatever position I’m put in I think I’ve got to do a job for the team, so that’s my main focus.
“Then maybe in the future I can move further up the pitch and show everyone what I can do.”
Gooners are already predicting that the teenager could become another Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was continually played out of position during his six years in north London before he signed for Liverpool for £35m this summer.
Nelson was impressive during pre-season and has scored an outstanding six Premier League 2 goals in five games so far this term playing in a more advanced role, either as a winger or attacking midfielder.
Buzzing to get my first @arsenal start. Thank you for all the support from the fans today. #COYG pic.twitter.com/GU0vK3dkWl
— Reiss Nelson (@ReissNelson9) September 20, 2017
Hopefully, the youngster gets his chance. However, at the moment, we have to acknowledge that he is only 17 and, while he’s made his first team debut, he most likely has a long way to go before he properly breaks into the side.