AFC Bournemouth star Jaidon Anthony has claimed that Arsenal attacker Reiss Nelson, who is out on loan, is one of the most talented players to come through the academy in recent years.
In an interview with Goal, the EFL attacker lauded the 21-year-old winger. Anthony was part of the same age group as Nelson at Arsenal, with Joe Willock and Eddie Nketiah also part of that talented generation.
Arsenal’s Hale End academy has been extremely productive in recent years, with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe established first-team players under Mikel Arteta. Ainsley Maitland-Niles has also made the leap to senior football.
And Nelson was one of the top talents emerging from the north London club. However, following a productive loan spell with Hoffenheim, the winger is yet to hit the heights many expected from him.
The attacker is currently spending the season with Dutch giants Feyenoord. And for Anthony, Nelson was one of the best players at Arsenal at academy level during his time there.
The Bournemouth youngster said: “Reiss Nelson was also a level above. We also went to tournaments with Joe Willock in our team. So there was so much talent in the academy at that time. Looking back, I definitely feel it was a special generation.”
Arsenal will be praying loan move unlocks true potential for Nelson
To say supporters have been disappointed by Nelson would be an understatement. The winger was regarded by many as the next superstar from the academy. However, injuries and a lack of regular minutes have played a role.
However, this loan spell with Feyenoord could be what drives Nelson to the next level at Arsenal. The Dutch league will be an excellent league for the youngster to develop. And regular playing time will do the England youth international a world of good.
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