Arsenal: Feeding Reiss Nelson ambition a must

Reiss Nelson had an impressive debut for England under 21s on Thursday, again reasserting his ambition to be a senior player. Arsenal must feed his ambition.

Reiss Nelson is a terrifically gifted footballer. He has a natural flair and skill set for the game that few other players possess. He is a wonderfully assembled winger, bursting with pace, technique, skill and great delivery and end product. But more than all of the attributes that he possesses, he also has the ruthless attitude and ambition that young players need to make a success of themselves.

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The Arsenal winger was unwilling to remain at the club in the summer, knowing that he would not be afforded much game time under Unai Emery, demanded that he be allowed to leave, finding a team that would at least provide him with opportunities to play. Hoffenheim would be that team, with Julain Nagelsman renowned for his work with young players. His rise to prominence has begun.

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His burgeoning presence continued on Thursday night. Nelson made his debut for England Under 21s, scoring the sixth goal in a 7-0 thumping of Andorra. He was extremely impressive throughout the match, showcasing his qualities in wide areas and his natural ability to beat defenders when dribbling with the ball.

And after the match, Nelson was clear to display his ambition, at the domestic and international level:

"“Gareth has made it clear that the pathway is there so if you’re young and you’re good he’ll give you a chance. It’s good for me that I came through the ranks, I came from U16s all the way up to U21s. I’m trying to get in there and do my magic. A little bit showed today and I’m very happy to be there. I’m just here to play my football in Germany. Hopefully, I’ll come back in a couple of months – if it’s a year so be it – ready to play in Arsenal’s first team.”"

When it was first reported that Nelson would be joining Hoffenheim, it was feared that his departure might be a permanent one, not just a loan. It was later clarified that he would be signing a new long-term contract at the Emirates and moving to Germany on a temporary basis. But the fact that he was so determined to leave is a signal of his ambition.

It is a tight line to tread, but Arsenal would be wise in feeding Nelson’s ambition. They must not allow his ego to inflate, they must keep him grounded and hard-working, aware of the improvements that he must continue to make. But they must also play on his desire to be the best that he can be and to be a regular contributor for the senior first team.

Nelson will not be afraid to leave if he feels that he is not being challenged and utilised. Unai Emery and the club must not feel entrapped by Nelson’s desire to play, but this is a rarely talented player who they should be looking to keep and to use. It would be foolish not to.

The best way of doing that is to relish his ambition and feed it, not shy away from it. Nelson is a rising star. It’s important that Arsenal help it rise further.