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This article is part of Football FanCast's Expert Roundup feature, which provides three quotes from those in the know in order to illuminate fundamental strengths, weaknesses, quirks, stylistic comparisons and general observations of players, transfer targets and confirmed signings.

Make no mistake about it this is a huge season ahead for Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson. Having been at the club since he was eight the Londoner built on a trio of introductory appearances in 2017/18 with a successful season-long loan to Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga last year.

There he impressed to such a degree that Unai Emery has clearly promoted the youngster into his thinking judging by the consecutive starts against Newcastle and Burnley.

With his development loan behind him this highly regarded England Under 21 international could very conceivably now enjoy a break-through campaign, so perhaps it’s time we found out more about the explosive 19-year-old; to be fully briefed on what to expect.

To do this Football Fancast gathered the opinions of those in the know...

Arsene Wenger, former Arsenal coach

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

Having closely followed his progress through the Arsenal ranks it was Wenger who gave Nelson his first competitive bow against Chelsea in the 2017 Community Shield. Immediately prior to that, however, an eye-catching performance in the Gunners’ 5-2 win over Benfica in a close season friendly prompted the revered manager to sing the prodigy’s praises. As per Fox Sports Asia:

“He's a young player from our academy and he has had an encouraging pre-season. He has shown that he can dribble, go past people and he isn't fazed by the occasion. He looks confident and it's good for him to play in these kind of games."

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Martin Keown, former Arsenal defender

If Nelson’s managerial mentors are beholden to be fairly restrained in their platitudes (see Nagelsmann too below) the same does not apply to pundits.

That same summer of 2017 saw Martin Keown suitably bowled over by the wingers’ skill and bravery to display it. So much so that it conjured up a comparison from the very top drawer. As per Bundesliga.com:

“He showed the sort of touches you often see or associate with a Neymar or a real top player. Seventeen years of age, it’s quite phenomenal that ability this boy has, he really does look a wonderful talent.”

Julian Nagelsmann, RB Leipzig manager

Nelson’s year with Hoffenheim in Germany was relatively successful and boosted his profile and reputation immeasurably. Seven goals in 23 appearances briefly saw him rival Jadon Sancho as England’s finest export and helped push Hoffenheim to a top ten finish while his exciting showings had Nagelsmann crooning. As per the Independent:

“He has great potential to develop. That’s why we loaned him in the first place. He’s an incredible player in one-on-one situations”

“It’s about growing in a healthy fashion for young players. It’s like being a musician. One good song can put bread on the table for a few weeks but it’s not about just being a one-hit wonder.

"It’s about being stable for a long time, in the best case doing that over the course of 15 years. So he’s got to work hard now.”

Verdict

Arsenal fans - and Nagelsmann - have little to fear because Nelson looks destined to make sweet, soulful music for years to come.

The song is only just beginning.