Are we in danger of falling in love with Reiss Nelson?

In the summer, I wrote an article detailing our transfer links with three Arsenal players – Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson, with the latter sealing a transfer on loan on deadline day. Nelson was a bit of a surprise signing following the unusual (to say the least) conclusion to the saga relating to Ernest Nuamah of Lyon. That saga is now very much in the past, but two months in – are we in danger of having our hearts broken by falling in love with another loan player?

The stats

Reiss Nelson has two goals and one assist in all competitions so far this season in five games. The winger also has 100% shot accuracy in all competitions and 82% pass accuracy in the Premier League, with 92% in the EFL Cup against Preston. The winger has also put in five tackles in his appearances so far and taken part in 23 duels, winning 40% of them and therefore proving to be a combative presence. Reiss appears to have also settled in nicely, due to the link ups with his fellow Hale End academy graduates and the outgoing nature of the Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi partnership.  

The potential stumbling block

It’s worth noting that the Adama Traore conundrum could be a stumbling block to Nelson’s development with the club. Although Traore has one goal and two assists so far this season, which is a fairly healthy return, many fans have noted his potential to contribute more, particularly in the game at the Etihad. There is a chance that Silva persists with the winger and doesn’t drop him for Nelson however as Traore provides something that Nelson and most other wingers don’t in terms of his sheer ability to create chances with his pace.

Although he missed many chances at the Etihad, Traore was able to create those chances that Nelson may not have been able to, due to his pace, however Nelson may have been able to finish those chances if he was in the position to. For this reason and the unique ability that Traore provides, this could see Nelson feature prominently from the bench this season which, if the player continues to contribute, may see it as a stunt to his development and his parent club may also see that.

The conclusion

It is still very early in the season and therefore it is early to draw a conclusion for the matter, but Nelson definitely has the ability to fall into the category of loving a loan player. If Marco adjusts his game time accordingly or affirms the importance of his role from the bench and therefore ensures that he is happy at the club and with the team camaraderie, then Nelson’s ability could well ensure that Fulham fans are pushing the club to buy the player permanently next summer.