Unai Emery says Reiss Nelson struggled more than they wanted against Burnley last weekend, but it’s all about learning from the experience at this stage.
Nelson played 45 minutes against Burnley last weekend, scoring a disallowed goal before he was taken off at half-time for Nicolas Pepe.
There has been some talk that the more senior players might now come in to replace him permanently, but Unai Emery insisted in his press conference that “we need both” the young players and the experienced stars to succeed.
Nonetheless, the head coach did admit that Nelson struggled in the match, and he explained the advice he’s giving to the 19-year-old.
“Reiss Nelson started against Burnley in the first 11, but he struggled more than we wanted that match and also [more than he wanted],” Emery said.
“But that is one experience for him. It is one experience to learn quickly for the next match how he can get better his action individually and collectively.
“Also I am speaking to him and saying ‘Reiss you are very good in one on one but you need also tactically to improve how to decide each action on the pitch technically or with your teammates to do one passes or one in one moment and get in the box and take experience’.
“It was difficult for us and some players. This is one process with Reiss Nelson and Saturday in Liverpool is the same another step and experiences. But we need to have and get experiences with the idea we will win.”
Rather than looking at the players in front of Nelson as an obstacle, they can be a positive thing for his development. Firstly, learning from a player like Nicolas Pepe can’t be a bad thing. Secondly, he can take his opportunities in the lower-profile games with the pressure off.
It’s better to struggle for a half against Burnley when Arsenal get the win anyway than to do the same against Liverpool and be responsible for a defeat.
Arsenal have plenty of games coming up where they’ll need to rotate, whether it’s in the Europa League group stage, the League Cup or just smaller Premier League matches. It’s up to Nelson to make the most of those chances.