Unai Emery Believed To Have Made A ‘Big Statement’ By Promoting 19-Year-Old

Reiss Nelson appreciates the faith Unai Emery has placed on him since the start of this season.

The England U21 international was made to start both of the starting two Premier League games against Newcastle United and Burnley after his impressive spell with Hoffenheim last term.

“To be starting in the Premier League is a big achievement because I didn’t think I would start the first two games of the season,” Nelson told the club’s official website. “I think that’s a very big statement from the manager as well, to play me in the first two games with the likes of Pepe and Mkhitaryan, world-class players, on the bench.

“I thought the manager would have eased me into it, but I did well against Real Madrid and in a couple of other pre-season games, so when the chance came, I took it well. Newcastle was a very tough game because they’re a very physical side and I think I did well, but I didn’t create as much as I wanted to.

“Against Burnley, I struggled because they are very physical, and I think I got caught on the ball a couple of times too.

“That’s the thing with football: you have some good games, you have some bad games but the main thing is that you go back, you recap and next week you’re ready to fight again. That’s the main thing.”