Chelsea Starlet: Reiss Nelson Is The Most Gifted In The U21 Squad

By The Editor
on 23rd June 2019

Jake Clarke-Salter lavishes praise on Arsenal teenager Reiss Nelson…

Chelsea youngster Jake Clarke-Salter is the latest player to be put under Soccer AM’s infamous ‘Teammates’ hot-seat and the defender named Reiss Nelson as the most technically gifted in the England U21 squad.

Aidy Boothroyd’s squad are currently out in Italy competing in the UEFA U21 European Championships but are set to crash out at the group stage.

England conquered the world at U-18 and U-20 level, but the European Championships this summer hasn’t gone to plan with defeats to France and Romania sending the boys home after their final group game.

Nelson is the only Arsenal player currently with the England U21 squad and despite not yet playing a second of tournament football, Clarke-Salter still rates him as one of the best.

“I’d probably give it to Reiss Nelson,” The Chelsea starlet said when asked to name the most skilful player.

“In training, the skills he pulls out – it’s unbelievable sometimes so I’d probably give that to Reiss.”

The host then repeated the question, probably because he had a different name in his head – but the defender stuck to his guns…well, sort of.

“Yeah (he is the most gifted), and maybe Phil (Foden) as well. They’re both young players and they’re both technically gifted.”

Nelson has an interesting few months ahead of him in his career as he returns from a somewhat inconsistent loan spell at Hoffenheim.

The teenager started off his Bundesliga career in sensational fashion, netting six times in his opening eights top-flight appearances.

However, the goals later dried up and amidst being dropped for disciplinary issues and loss of form, Nelson was on shaky grounds.

The 19-year-old would later get back to scoring ways in April, and he now has a chance to show Unai Emery that he’s ready for first-team action.