Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown hails Reiss Nelson and compares him to Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar after youngster shines against BATE Borisov

  • Martin Keown compared Reiss Nelson to Neymar after his display against BATE
  • The 17-year-old played in an unfamiliar defensive position but highly impressed 
  • The Gunners beat the Belarus champions 4-2 on Thursday in the Europa League
  • Keown believes Nelson has a huge future and is a phenomenal talent for his age

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has heaped praise on youngster Reiss Nelson after his auspicious performance during the Gunners' 4-2 Europa League victory over BATE Borisov.

The 17-year-old, who usually operates as an attacking winger, was deployed as a wing back by Arsene Wenger for the tie on Thursday.

Despite being in unfamiliar territory Nelson was comfortable, confident and composed during the 79 minutes he played. 

Martin Keown has praised Arsenal wonderkid Reiss Nelson for his performance against BATE

Martin Keown has praised Arsenal wonderkid Reiss Nelson for his performance against BATE

On a night when Theo Walcott bagged himself a brace, Olivier Giroud netted his 100th Arsenal goal and Jack Wilshere looked back to his best, Keown singled out Nelson for standing out in a young Arsenal side.


'Congratulations to those young Arsenal players,' he told BT Sport. 

'All those nervous parents watching their kids playing miles away from home and I thought all of them were magnificent in the way they played, particularly Nelson. 

'He showed the sort of touches that you often see or associate with a Neymar or a real top player, he was breezing past players and Wenger will know the quality that he has. 

Arsenal sit top of Group H in the Europa League after their emphatic 4-2 victory in Belarus

Arsenal sit top of Group H in the Europa League after their emphatic 4-2 victory in Belarus

'17 years of age, it’s quite phenomenal the ability this boy has. There’s certainly a big future there, he really does look a wonderful talent.'

It was Nelson's fourth appearance for Arsenal this season, having played in the Community Shield and recently against Cologne and Doncaster.

It may still be too early for Wenger to consider chucking him in from the start against Brighton on Sunday, but the teenager would have certainly given him to something to think about and would have earned several plaudits for the way he played.

Keown even went as far to compare the 17-year-old to Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar

Keown even went as far to compare the 17-year-old to Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar