Mikel Arteta has claimed that Arsenal youngster Reiss Nelson is a “special player” following the club’s FA Cup win over Portsmouth on Monday night, per BT Sport via Goal.
What’s he said?
The Gunners won 2-0 at Fratton Park thanks to goals from Sokratis and Eddie Nketiah.
Arteta named a youthful starting XI, including 18-year-olds Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, and 20-year-olds Joe Willock, Nketiah, and Nelson.
Nelson has made something of a first-team breakthrough this season, playing 15 times in all competitions, scoring two goals and providing three assists.
Of course, Saka has perhaps been the success story in north London, making 28 appearances in all competitions, but Arteta has reserved special praise for Nelson.
He said: “It's a difficult place to come but I have faith in these kids.”
He added: “We have pace in a few players up front. Reiss [Nelson] is a special player and can eliminate players one on one. He's been out for a while but he's back now and he showed what he's capable of doing.
“I'm really enjoying working with this group of players. It's a process. I know [people think] everything has to be today or yesterday but in football it doesn't happen like this.
“I'm seeing a lot of things I'm happy with but there is a lot of room to improve.”
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A huge boost
One has to imagine that this will be a major confidence boost for Nelson.
As Arteta alludes to, he has missed a number of games this season, sustaining a hamstring injury in January.
He has subsequently missed five successive Premier League games, along with the Europa League clashes with Greek side Olympiacos.
That he is being hailed as a “special” talent is a boon and speaks to the trust that the former Manchester City assistant has in the England U21 international.
In total, he has made 31 appearances for the Gunners at senior level, but has been a star at U23 level, scoring 17 goals and registering 11 assists.
He appears primed to make the step up and make a spot in the first-team his own.
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