Reiss Nelson was considered a wonderkid during his academy days at Arsenal. Reiss Nelson was set to be the next big thing in English football which the fans had prayed for over the years. However, things did not go the way he wanted. Frequent injuries and poor form in his first-team football saw the decline in his quality.
Breakthrough into the first team for Nelson
Reiss Nelson made his first-team debut for Arsenal during the 2017/18 season under their greatest-ever manager Arsene Wenger. Next season however he would be sent out on loan to TSG Hoffenheim by the next Arsenal Manager Unai Emery. The loan period was fruitful as he would go on to score 7 goals for them in the Bundesliga. Former Arsenal player describes Nelson as a “joke” in training sessions. He further went on to say,
“He’s another Arsenal product. Nelson is a joke in training. With him like, he just has that raw street ability. I have to give it to him as someone who has been patient”.
“Every time he’s come on to play, he’s delivered. I think he’s been the most impactful sub. For someone to be able to do that and not play regularly and have that elite mindset, I have to rate it.”
The unpredicted decline of Reiss Nelson
After coming back to Arsenal, he failed to secure first-team football. The chopping and changing of managers didn’t help the cause either and he continued to struggle again. After securing only one goal in the Premier League for the next two seasons. He was sent on loan again. This time he went on loan to Feyenoord where he performed well. He helped his team reach the Europa Conference League final which ended badly as they went on to lose to Roma against his former teammate Ainsley Maitland Niles.
The Resurrection of the Wonderkid
After coming back to Arsenal, Mikel Arteta showed faith in him by keeping him at Arsenal even though he had only one year left in his contract. He repaid Arteta’s faith as he came on as a substitute for Bukayo Saka and scored 2 goals vs Nottingham Forrest and helped them secure 3 points. However bad luck hit again. He injures himself again.
Returning from the injury, Arteta brought him on as a substitute in the match against Bournemouth. When they were losing 2-0. He came on and provided an assist and went on to score a last-minute winner which helped them secure the 3 points. Reiss Nelson instantly became a fan favorite again as that goal helped them to go 5 ahead of Manchester City in the title race and proved that he itself is that wonderkid Arsenal hoped for. Reiss Nelson went on to play for Arsenal in the Europa League matches. The wonder kid is back on track. He has to play a vital role if Arsenal wants to end up as champions at the end of the season.
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