Arsenal used to be a place where young players found wings and flew. Arsene Wenger was a manager that could spot talent in a 12-year-old by the twitch of his nose. With the departure of Wenger, the club failed to arrest the downward spiral of the team.
Players like Thierry Henry, Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie are poster boys for the success of Wenger's youth project. At the moment, it is hard to find a player that has truly blossomed as the club struggles to rein in the decay that has gradually eaten into the fabric of the club. Joe Willock was forced to leave the club for Newcastle after finding game time hard to come by.
In a similar fashion, Reiss Nelson is a player that many had high hopes for but found game time that would help his growth hard to come by. He has now been farmed out to further his growth elsewhere, and Arne Slot, the Feyenoord manager, has weighed in on the player's struggles.
Nelson's struggles
Reiss Nelson is set to arrive at Feyenoord and continue his growth in a more accommodating environment. The pressure at Arsenal meant that the 21-year-old winger did not see enough playing time.
The 2020/21 season proved to be a trying one for the young lad. His talents are undeniable, and the final months of the 2019/20 season was a testimony to his abilities. The lad tried to show Mikel Arteta he could bring value to the Gunners squad, but game time has been hard to come by.
Nelson has had to vie for a place in the team against the likes of Willian, Nicolas Pepe. Youngsters like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have also beenct competition for him, making him play just two Premier League appearances throughout last season.
Insight into Nelson's troubles
On Thursday, Arne Slot, the Feyenoord manager, gave what can be described as an insight into Reiss Nelson's troubles at Arsenal.
In an interview with Voetbal Primeur, Slot claimed that the rise in intensity associated with being counted on as a first-team player brought about the lad's injury. He also declared that at Arsenal, there wasn't much of a future for the player.
Slot refrained from criticizing the way Arsenal trained but was critical of the way the player trained. According to him, Nelson was often in the team, but not to play actual matches and rather imitate the opponent.
The lack of playing time for Nelson led to speculations about his future. Many saw it as coming to an end. At such a point in his life, he needed to play consistently, as it is important for his development.
Arsenal opted for a loan move rather than a permanent exit as they still have faith in him.
Since arriving at Feyenoord, Nelson is yet to play any game for the club.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
