Martin Keown compares Arsenal teenager Reiss Nelson with Brazilian superstar Neymar as he shines in Europa League win against BATE Borisov
Nelson was outstanding for Gunners who breezed past Belarussian champions and is earmaked for a bright future at the Emirates as Arsene Wenger also heaped praise on Jack Wilshere
MARTIN KEOWN has paid Arsenal kid Reiss Nelson the ultimate compliment, by comparing him to Neymar.
The 17-year-old started the comfortable 4-2 Europa League win against BATE Borisov as Arsene Wenger rotated his squad ahead of Sunday’s game at home to Brighton.
The London-born forward is highly regarded at the Emirates after impressing during pre-season.
And Keown who won three Premier League titles in North London feels Nelson has similar qualities to the world’s costliest player.
Keown said on BT Sport: "He breezes past players, Wenger will know the quality he has, he’s looked after him well.
“These are the sort of touches you often see or associate with a Neymar or other top players.
"17 years of age, it's quite phenomenal the ability this boy has."
Meanwhile Jack Wilshere was outstanding for the Gunners in the Belarus last night.
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The 25-year-old in the final year of his contract at the Emirates, with Wenger hoping his injury problems are now a thing of the past.
Wenger said: “Jack showed tonight that he is on his way back to his best and I just pray that he is not hampered by any more problems.
“He is at an age where a player normally gets to the best of his career and he has only been stopped by a series of injuries.
“But he showed tonight that he has not lost any football. He had an outstanding first-half and he fought right to the end.”