Reiss Nelson has named the four stars of Arsenal’s FA Youth Cup campaign he expects to succeed, ahead of competition’s final rounds.
Arsenal are currently in the semi-finals of the cup, facing two legs against Blackpool Youth. They play in Blackpool on Tuesday March 20th at 19:00, followed by the return leg at the Emirates Stadium on Monday April 16th, also at 19:00.
Nelson told the Arsenal website that there’s a good feeling around the club academy right now.
“It’s a really exciting time for all youth teams at the moment,” he said. “We’re near the top of the table in the Premier League 2 and we’re into the latter rounds of the FA Youth Cup. I think everyone’s just buzzing in the youth section of the training ground at the moment.”
As someone who still spends half his time with the youth teams, Nelson gets a better look than most at the next rising stars at Arsenal.
Here are the four players he thinks we should watch out for:
4Bukayo Saka
- Age: 16
- Position: Winger
Saka is the youngest of the four, having only turned 16 this season, but he’s already having a big impact.
The youngster has as many goal contributions as appearances so far in the Youth Cup, including scoring the equaliser and assisting the winner in extra-time after coming off the bench at Anfield.
He bagged a brace as the u18s demolished Tottenham 6-0 in November, and all five of his league goals have come in his last six games, so he’s really on a good goal-scoring run.
The schoolboy winger has a great understanding of the game, and an eye for a final ball. He is also very strong technically, and versatile, as he’s played as a defender for England.
Nelson’s opinion
“I really like Bukayo Saka as well. He’s still young but is doing the business for them, including that really good goal at Anfield. He’s definitely one for the future.”
2017/18 stats
- U18 Premier League: 11 appearances, 5 goals, 2 assists.
- FA Youth Cup: 4 appearances, 2 goals, 2 assists.
- Overall: 15 appearances, 7 goals, 4 assists.