Arsenal New Boy Sead Kolasinac & Alex Iwobi Laud the Talents of Youngster Reiss Nelson

Arsenal academy graduate Reiss Nelson has been attracting rave reviews of late, following his introduction to the first team this summer as he joined the Gunners' pre-season tour of Australia, and also earned a start for the North London side in the Emirates Cup clash against Benfica. 

The 17-year-old has always been the standout player in various age groups for Arsenal's academy, and his consistently impressive performances display an unerring amount of maturity for someone so young. 

Nelson's dazzling displays haven't just caught the eye of Arsene Wenger and the Emirates faithful, but also his teammates, who have expressed their surprise at the youngster's precocious talents. 

Bosnian new boy Sead Kolasinac has only just arrived in North London himself, but after pitting his wits against the teenager in training, he can already tell just how talented the 17-year-old is. 

Speaking to Arsenal's official website, Kolasinac said: “You realise from his style of play that he’s really talented,” Kolasinac told Arsenal Player. “He’s quick, a very strong dribbler and he has everything you need as an offensive player.

“He’s still young and has a lot to learn, also academically.

“It’s good for him to have more experienced players around who can take care of him, like Mesut, who plays in his position, or other players too. I’m very impressed by him.”

Another one of Nelson's teammates, Alex Iwobi, has also been taken aback by the academy graduates' impeccable ability, even more so due to the fact that the England U17 international recently called Iwobi an 'inspiration' to him. 

The Nigerian international said: “Coming from him, that is a surprise - the way he talks to me, you wouldn’t think I’m his inspiration!”

“To be his inspiration, that’s crazy. But he’s a young lad, he’s got a long way to go and I'm sure he knows what to do.

“Last season when Reiss was training with us you could see he was a special talent. He’s got good feet, good awareness, his technique is amazing - he’s definitely one for the future.

“Most young players when they come into the first team, they look nervous, you normally have to introduce them and make it easy for them. But straight away he was calling for the ball, he’s demanding things - he plays like he’s mature, he’s comfortable. It’s good for him.”

For Nelson to dub a 21-year-old as his inspiration speaks volumes for just how young he really is, but as the old adage goes, "If you're good enough, you're old enough". That is most certainly true of Nelson, and surely the sky is the limit for the boy from Elephant and Castle.