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My analysis of reiss nelson and the stalling of his development. Throughout the youth age groups Nelson was the star of his age group. He trained with the first team at the age of 15 and was regularly starting for the u23 at the age of 16.
Nelson shone throughout the youth groups but what was most interesting is that his best stats came when he played as a CAM where he was at the centre of most attacks. This can be shown from his statistics in the academy
Left: 2016/17 Right 2017/18
Left: 2016/17 Right 2017/18
Nelson also has a fantastic record for the England youth age groups with 22 goals in 35 appearances, a startling record for a winger who was playing a year up at each age group. This includes 5 goals and 4 assists in 6 starts for England u21.
During the 2017/18, Wenger played Nelson as a RWB in the europa league and Carabao Cup games where he played well and showed flashes of his precocious talent. This allowed him to improve defensively but it was clear his talents were wasted as a wing-back.
When he went to Hoffenheim during the 2018-19 season after a pre-season with Arsenal where he got 2 goals and 4 assists in 5 matches, he started the season on fire netting 7 times in his opening 6 games. Nelson was thriving and was playing with confidence.
However Nelson wasn't entrusted in a regular starting role and this meant that he couldn't continue his momentum as he only started 7 games in the whole season, being used as an impact player for his pace and directness. Clearly something was missing from his game.
Nelson ended the season with 7 goals and 1 assist in 23 games, averaging a bundesliga goal every 90 minutes and also gaining invaluable minutes in the champions league. However, whilst this looked impressive on paper, Nelson failed to develop into a first team regular.
When Nelson returned to Arsenal, fans were expecting a first-team ready player who would light up the Premier league. However, the reality is Nelson is still developing and needs time. His biggest weakness was his physicality but this has improved over the season.
Additionally, Nelson struggled with fitness as he finds it difficult to recover after making direct runs at the defence. This affects his ability on the ball as he will often play a sloppy pass from being tired.
However, Nelson has thrived in the fa Cup, europa league and carabao Cup, getting 2 goals and 4 assists in 5 games across the completions. Where Nelson has struggled is in the premier league, mainly due to the physicality and his poor fitness
However, another reason Nelson has struggled is because of the fact that he is not being played in his best position: attacking midfield. Whilst Nelson has impressive speed and dribbling, his best attribute is his football brain, link up play and ability to get out of tight areas
Aside from this, he is also a bigger threat on the left than on the right as shown by the below stats. This season he has 2 goals and 2 assists in 7 appearances on the left, where he is able to come inside and link up with play and has more shooting opportunities cutting inside.
One mental aspect Nelson needs to work on is his self confidence. He seems to lack self belief and the rise of saka and martinelli and his good friend Sancho may be causing him to feel left behind and unable to play with freedom. Nelson is at his best when he is confident.
He thrives when he plays in the middle and can be at the centre of things, and where he can express himself without the fear of being taken off or dropped if things go wrong. He therefore needs a run of games in attacking midfield and then we will see the best of him.
End of thread. Any likes or retweets appreciated.
You can find nelson match highlights and compilations on my page as well!
