Arsenal legend likens 17-year-old Gunners starlet to Neymar
Martin Keown lavishes praise on Reiss Nelson after his sparkling performance for Arsenal on Thursday
Martin Keown lavished praise on Reiss Nelson following his strong display for Arsenal in their 4-2 Europa League victory over BATE Borisov on Thursday night.
The 17-year-old featured from the start in Belarus and showed glimpses of why he is rated as one of Arsenal’s most exciting young prospects.
Nelson played for 79 minutes as Arsene Wenger’s men made it two wins from two in the Europa League group stage this season.
The teenager will be hoping to have more chances to prove himself for the Gunners as the season progresses, but former Arsenal defender Keown feels that Nelson has already showed just why he is so highly rated.
Speaking on BT Sport on Thursday night, Keown said: “These are the sort of touches you often see or associate with a Neymar or other top player.
“He breezes past players. Wenger will know the quality he has, he’s looked after him well.
“Seventeen years of age, it’s quite phenomenal the ability this boy has.”
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon when they take on Brighton and Hove Albion at The Emirates.
The Gunners head into the game in seventh place in the Premier League table and six points behind leaders Manchester City after six games of the new campaign.
Wenger is aiming to steer Arsenal to their first Premier League title since their famous unbeaten triumph in the 2003-04 campaign.
The Gunners have won the FA Cup in three of the last four seasons and beat Chelsea in the final last term.
