Reiss Nelson should use Bukayo Saka rise as inspiration to become Arsenal regular

Add as preferred source on Google

Mikel Arteta led Arsenal into the last eight of the FA Cup last night as the Gunners beat Portsmouth 2-0 at Fratton Park.

The goals were scored by Sokratis and Eddie Nketiah ensured a relatively comfortable passage into the quarter-final.

Arsenal’s second goal came after some blistering work down the right-hand side by Reiss Nelson.

The 20-year-old has struggled for game time since Arteta’s appointment and now he is over his injury problems, he needs to get back on track.

A quick glance towards a fellow academy graduate should offer him the perfect role model as he looks to rediscover himself.

Bukayo Saka has often been asked to fill in at left-back this season but has still registered nine assists for the team.

He hasn’t sulked, hasn’t kicked up a stink and his attitude has been spot on. If anything, his ability to be versatile has helped him play more games.

Last night was the first outing for Nelson since a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace back in January.

In four out of five of the last Premier League games, he hasn’t made the squad and Nelson can’t let players keep bypassing him up the pecking order.

The winger has made 11 appearances for the Gunners this season with a large number of them coming from the bench.

Having spent time on loan at Hoffenheim last season, this should have been his real breakthrough season.

Versatile

The England under-21 performer should be a blessing for Arsenal.

He can operate on both flanks or even as a No.10 and really the next couple of months could really make or break his Arsenal career.

Last night was a great start but he must start showing Arteta the determination and drive that Saka has to make himself undroppable.

The Spaniard does rate him. After last night’s game, he called him ‘special’ and that vote of confidence will be a big confidence boost.

The future can be bright for Nelson but he can’t afford to become another notch on the Arsenal scrapheap of youngsters who didn’t quite make the grade.