Arsenal news: Thierry Henry backs Reiss Nelson to become the next big thing

THIERRY HENRY believes Reiss Nelson has all the attributes to become a regular in Arsenal’s first team.

Arsenal's Reiss Nelson scores fantastic free kick

Nelson made his full debut for the Gunners earlier this week after starting in their 1-0 win over Doncaster.

He has shone at U23 level this season, scoring six goals in just five games and is still only 17 years old. 

Arsenal have a proud record of promoting academy players into the first team, with Hector Bellerin and Alex Iwobi the most successful recent examples.

And Henry, who coached the attack-minded midfielder during his time helping out at Arsenal, believes Nelson could be the next to make the big step up.

“I worked with Reiss when I was at the Arsenal Academy and I was so impressed with him. He has all the attributes to make it,” Henry told The Sun.

“At the Academy, he was training and playing with the Under-18s — and he was only 16. But he was so good that, after two or three months, we felt he was wasting his time.

“He was not learning anything because he was too good for that standard.

“So he was moved up to the Under-23s so he could work with stronger and bigger guys.

Reiss Nelson made his full Arsenal debut in the game against DoncasterGETTY

Reiss Nelson made his full Arsenal debut in the game against Doncaster

Thierry Henry worked with Reiss Nelson during his time working at ArsenalGETTY

Thierry Henry worked with Reiss Nelson during his time working at Arsenal

“This kid has all the talent to be knocking on the door of the first team.”

He added: “Reiss has his head screwed on, he is a polite kid from a good background. Gatting and Laraman will keep his feet on the ground anyway.

“But you know when you a see a player and you just want him to get the ball? He is that player. He has that ‘thing’. The rest is up to him.”

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