Arsenal: Reiss Nelson takes his heroic status to new heights

Reiss Nelson revealed that he rejected Tottenham Hotspur as a young player. He is taking his heroic status as a future Arsenal star to new heights.

Reiss Nelson could well be the future of Arsenal football club. He is one of the most exciting young players to come through the academy in many, many years, and there is a growing hysteria, which I myself am guilty of indulging in, surrounding his development.

Related Story: 3 key Gunners to watch on Thursday

He burst onto the scene in the summer. Playing in the wing-back role, that is not necessarily his most possible, Nelson, throughout the preseason, showcased a pace and purpose in his play that a youthful freedom and confidence inspired.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

Whenever he received the ball, he was direct in his play, always looking to skip past a defender, committing the opposition to challenges to unwanted challenges, and creating space for those around him by attracting attention. He caused problems with his searing pace, his willingness to drive forwards, and his surprisingly accurate and intelligent end product for a player of his age.

And since the season has started, while he is yet to quite reach the heights of his preseason form, Nelson has continued to show glimpses that he can perform at a consistently creative and dangerous level in competitive matches, not just preseason friendlies.

Already labelled as a future hero, Nelson is now elevating his status as a fan favourite. Here is an excerpt from an interview this week, where he discusses his signing for the Gunners’ youth system, during which he rejected one North London team of particular note:

"“I was nine years old, I used to play for a team in Catford. I would get up every morning with my brother, get on the train and travel to Catford three times a week. I was there for about two months playing for a team called Moonshot FC. I got scouted for Tottenham and was there for three to four weeks before a phone call from Arsenal came. The first session they wanted to sign me so, happy days, I didn’t look back. I’m an Arsenal fan, everyone in my family is Arsenal, so it wasn’t a hard decision.”"

Nelson, as a supporter of the club that is quickly becoming reliant on his progression, knows how to endear himself to the fanbase. Reject Spurs. It is always wonderful to see a player come through the system. It is even more wonderful if they do so having spurned the advances of Spurs.

Next: 30 greatest transfers of past 30 years

Nelson has much expectation to meet. Only time will tell whether he can deliver on his talent. But for now, he is a player of growing significance. His heroic status is only rising.