Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson is out on loan with Fulham this season, but the 24-year-old has had to work to earn his chance in the Premier League starting lineup.
Nelson made his first start for Fulham in the League Cup in mid-September, scoring against Preston North End. The winger then scored against Newcastle United in the Premier League later that week, but his wait for a league start went on for two months.
That wait finally ended on Monday, as the loanee was named in Fulham’s starting lineup against Brentford.
Nelson played 82 minutes of the 2-1 win and generally put in an impressive display, though manager Marco Silva suggested the player did his best work in the first half.
“A very good first half, he probably should have scored because he created the best moments,” Silva said. “He’s made a good impact on our squad so far and is going to help us to be stronger throughout the season.”
Nelson completed 93% of his passes and created a couple of chances, as well as completing five of seven attempted dribbles for Fulham.
But as mentioned by Silva, he probably should have scored, missing one big chance due to a good double save by Mark Flekken.
It will be interesting now to see whether Nelson keeps his place for the upcoming games.
Adama Traore and Alex Iwobi have been preferred on the wings so far this season, and Traore dropped to the bench to make way for Nelson on Monday.
But the Spanish winger came on as a substitute and provided an assist late in the game, so he’s clearly ready to fight for his spot.
Fulham have one more game before the November international break, playing away to Crystal Palace on Saturday, November 9th at 15:00 GMT.
