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Reiss Nelson ready to fight for a place at Arsenal

Reiss Nelson
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Arsenal youngster Reiss Nelson sets his eyes on a place in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI.

Twenty-year-old Reiss Nelson sets his objectives high for the upcoming 2020-21 campaign.

After noting 24 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions last season, the right-winger has his eyes on the place in the starting line up this term.

“For me it’s about getting myself in the starting XI,” said Nelson in an interview for the club’s official website.

“The boss has made a lot of changes and brought a lot of top players into the team and I feel like that can only help us, but I want to fight for my position, be hungry and get a spot in that starting XI.”

Nelson won his third trophy with the Gunners, as Arsenal beat Premier League champions Liverpool to lift the Community Shield on Saturday afternoon.

He spent only eight minutes on the field, but scored the opening spot kick for Mikel Arteta’s side in the penalty shootout.

“I really wanted to take a penalty but I think I was 17 at the time and the boss didn’t let me take it, so I said to myself if I ever get the opportunity to take one again then I’ll be the first one and I’ll be confident and just pick a spot and pick it.”

“I got an opportunity, went to Mikel and said I’ll take it, then I was brave and he let me take it.

“It was a bit weird because the walk is so long, but as I got to the goal it seemed fairly big, so I thought let me just hit it, hit a spot and hope for the best. It went in! It’s a big confidence boost and to start a season like that is very big for all the young players.”

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