Arsenal: Reiss Nelson is not Hector Bellerin insurance policy

There will always be rumors tying Hector Bellerin to a move away from Arsenal, and not matter how we spin it, Reiss Nelson is not an insurance policy.

I suppose it’s kind of flattering to have Arsenal players linked with moves all over the globe, as it indicates the quality that they have despite the failings of the team as a unit. That said, if you want to turn these players into marketable commodities, Hector Bellerin might be the richest commodity we have.

Seeing as how that is the case, we are never not going to have top worry about a potential exit. Barcelona, and now Juventus, want the Spaniards services and while Bellerin is grateful to the club and to Arsene Wenger, things change, as every player never fails to mention when discussing potential moves.

With Bellerin, it’s going to take one hell of an accomplishment to keep him at Arsenal forever, as he has softened on his stance regarding potential moves to Barcelona in the last year alone.

It’s a granted that Wenger won’t sell anyone without having a replacement at the ready, just look at Alexis Sanchez, but we should always be prepared for the worst – such as injuries. For instance, at left wing back, I don’t think the Gunners are prepared. If Sead Kolasinac goes down, who then?

Right wing back is different in that there is an option in Mathieu Debuchy, but some people are indicating that Reiss Nelson is that insurance policy and I’m here to caution against that.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

In the preseason, I was all about letting Nelson be the deputy to Bellerin. He showed himself absolutely capable, incredibly athletic, and talented far beyond his years. And not to say that he has fallen off that podium, but I don’t think we should feel the same about him anymore.

As in, if Bellerin is to leave, I don’t see Nelson as the insurance policy. Mainly because Nelson isn’t a defender, nor does he want to be a defender, nor has he ever wanted to be a defender. Time spent there is time turning him into another want-away.

We need to focus on getting Nelson into attacking positions. Maybe using him at wing back is good now, for his versatility and, who knows, maybe he grows to love the role. But you can’t bank on that. And on that note, I hope that insurance policies are being investigated, because Bellerin most likely won’t be here forever and Nelson won’t be either if we insist on playing him at wingback.

Next: Arsenal's 30 Greatest Players Ever

Wingback is a unique position because not many players are raised as wingbacks. They are raised as defenders or attackers. This position requires equal parts of both and not everyone has it. Which is why it’s never too early to start identifying potential replacements.

Home/Arsenal News