Reiss Nelson vs Arsenal: A Tale of Two Halves

The Rise of a Young Star

Reiss Nelson is a highly talented young English winger who emerged from Arsenal's academy. Known for his blistering pace, dribbling skills, and an eye for goal, Nelson quickly made a name for himself in the Arsenal youth setup and the England youth teams.

In the 2017-18 season, Nelson made his senior debut for Arsenal and impressed with his performances in the Europa League and the Carabao Cup. However, he found it difficult to break into the Arsenal first team on a regular basis, with established players like Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ahead of him in the pecking order.

Loan Spells and Redemption

To gain more playing time and experience, Nelson was sent on loan to Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga in the 2018-19 season. In Germany, Nelson flourished, showcasing his skills and scoring six goals in 29 appearances. His performances earned him a recall to Arsenal for the 2019-20 season.

However, Nelson's return to Arsenal was met with limited opportunities. With Nicolas Pepe and Bukayo Saka preferred on the flanks, Nelson found himself on the fringes of the team once again. He was sent on loan to Feyenoord in the Eredivisie in the 2021-22 season, where he rediscovered his form and scored seven goals in 33 appearances.

A New Chapter

In the summer of 2022, Arsenal decided to cash in on Nelson, selling him to Feyenoord for a reported fee of £15 million. The move marked the end of Nelson's eight-year association with Arsenal, but it gave him a fresh start and an opportunity to play regular first-team football.

At Feyenoord, Nelson has quickly become a key player, contributing with goals and assists. He has helped the Rotterdam club win the KNVB Cup in 2022 and qualify for the UEFA Europa League in 2023. Nelson's performances have also earned him a recall to the England squad.

Conclusion

Reiss Nelson's journey from Arsenal academy player to established international is a testament to his talent and determination. Despite facing setbacks and limited opportunities at Arsenal, Nelson never gave up on his dream and seized his chances when they came.

His success at Feyenoord is a reminder that sometimes a change of scenery is necessary for a player to flourish. Nelson is now a key player for club and country, and his future looks bright.