‘Really good performance’: Mikel Arteta raves about £15k-a-week Arsenal man’s display last night

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has waxed lyrical about Gunners winger Reiss Nelson following his impressive display in the League Cup last night.

The 20-year-old has struggled for game time over the past 12 months, with just 22 senior appearances last term and seven Premier League starts.

Nelson made a cameo in the Community Shield but was then left out of the squads for the league wins over Fulham and West Ham.

Speculation has also emerged about his future, linking him with a loan switch away from the Emirates Stadium.

However, Arteta gave the academy graduate an opportunity from the off in the cup trip to Leicester, and he took it with both hands.

Playing off the left, Nelson put in an impressive display, showing determination and drive as he constantly pressed high and carved out opportunities for himself.

On the subject of the youngster’s 72-minute appearance, Arteta told Football London: “He played really well. He had a really good performance.

“He wasn’t in the squad for the last two Premier League games because of the competition we have up front. Everybody needs to fight for their places.”

When asked about a potential loan move, he replied: “We don’t discuss the things that are happening behind closed doors. He played tonight and he played really well.”

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Nelson is one of the brightest talents to emerge from Hale End in recent years but, with Arsenal boasting huge strength in depth on the wings, he’s up against some incredibly tough competition.

Willian, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Bukayo Saka, Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel Martinelli are all world-class players who Nelson would unfortunately have to vie with on the attacking flanks.

Arsenal should not move him on permanently, but perhaps a loan move to another Premier League club would enable him to get regular game time, continue his development, and come back an even stronger player.

At just 20 years of age and his £15,000-a-week contract running until 2023, there is still plenty of time for Nelson to kick on to the next level and make himself one of the first names on the team sheet.