Arsene Wenger was delighted with the contributions of home debutants Sead Kolasinac and Reiss Nelson as Arsenal thrashed Benfica 5-2 in the Emirates Cup.
The Gunners recovered from the blow of conceding an early opener to run out convincing winners thanks to a Theo Walcott brace, goals from Alex Iwobi and Olivier Giroud as well as an own goal from Lisandro Lopez.
Summer signing Kolasinac featured in his favoured left wing-back role as Wenger stuck with the 3-4-3 formation which yielded nine wins from 10 games at the end of last season and the Bosnia international was involved in the build-up to three of his new side’s goals.
‘I think he has gone in pre-season from strength to strength,’ said Wenger of his summer recruit from Schalke.
Who is Reiss Nelson?
Reiss Nelson is a 17-year-old winger or attacking midfielder who has come up through the ranks in Arsenal’s academy.
The England youth player has shone in pre-season so far for Arsene Wenger’s side, with the manager praising his progress as he named him in his squad for this weekend’s Emirates Cup.
‘He’s a more offensive player, more a guy who can play as one of the three strikers or as an offensive midfielder,’ Wenger said this week.
‘What is good for his education is to play in this position (wing-back) 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.’
Nelson himself has also spoken about his progress, and paid tribute to the guidance handed to him by Mesut Ozil in recent weeks.
‘Mesut’s been talking to me and really helping me through the games,’ he said in today’s matchday programme.
‘After the first game (of pre-season) he seemed impressed and he couldn’t tell how old I was. When I told him he was really surprised.
‘From there, he’s just been telling me loads of stuff that I need to be doing – how to behave on and off the pitch. It’s crazy to be getting advice from one of the best players in the world.’
‘He started a bit nervous but every single week he has improved. The first two goals came from him. He’s powerful and his ability going forward is very good.’
Nelson, meanwhile, who impressed on the tours of Australia and the Far East, dazzled in front of an enthusiastic home crowd who took immediately to the England youth international’s dribbling ability and fearless attitude.
‘He’s a player from our academy,’ added Wenger.
‘He’s had an encouraging pre-season. He’s shown you can go past people. He’s not fazed. It’s good for his confidence levels.’
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