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'Nelson provokes opponents by passing them'

He may have made his first-team debut in front of 80,000 fans in Sydney, but there was no trace of nerves in Reiss Nelson’s performance. 

Lining up at right wing-back for the very first time, the England Under-18 international excelled alongside Per Mertesacker, Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott, but Arsene Wenger does not see the teenager’s future in defence.

"He’s a more offensive player, more a guy who can play as one of the three strikers or as an offensive midfielder," the manager told Arsenal Player. 

"What is good for his education is to play in this position as well because we learn how to cope with defensive responsibilities, and that’s a good part of the education of the modern player. 

"As strikers or creative players, you tend to have two kinds of players. Some who are good at running with the ball, and some who are good at running off the ball. He’s more a player who likes the ball to his feet and provokes opponents by passing them.

"Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has a bit of both. He can pass people and also make runs off the ball. He has huge power and that is something that is very impressive to watch on the flanks."

 

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