Hoffenheim's Reiss Nelson is helping power the latest British Invasion
- Chuck Smith
- Jan 8, 2019
- 2 min read
Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho has received most of the headlines for his electric performance in the Hinrunde, but he was not the only young Englishman making an impact in the Bundesliga during the fall.
Hoffenheim's Reiss Nelson also asserted himself quite nicely for Hoffenheim as the squad is entrenched in a rugged battle for a top six position in the league. As the first half of the season progressed, Nelson found himself a more valuable and relied upon part of TSG1899.
Th 19-year-old forward, who spends most of his time at wing, registered six goals and one assist in 19 games across all competitions for Hoffenheim in the Hinrunde. Nelson, of course, is on loan from Arsenal, which kind of looks like it could use his help right now.
Arsenal Academy Manager Per Mertesacker thinks the move to Hoffenheim has been an immense help to Nelson's development. Mertesacker told Goal that Nelson's willingness to leave his comfort zone was vital for him to make the next progression in his career.
“It was the best decision for him to go there. When you compare the Bundesliga to the Premier League, there are similarities but there are differences. At the moment the Bundesliga suits him, and he went to a club where they are used to bringing up young players, educating young players and giving young players a chance in their first team. He has a young coach who will educate him and give him an insight. Reiss is getting out of the comfort zone he was in at Arsenal, so the loan system should work brilliantly for us."
Nelson's continued development will be key to watch in the coming weeks, particularly as Hoffenheim ramps up its effort to make a run at sixth place Eintracht Frankfurt, along with the rest of the table toppers.
With Sancho and Nelson already proving their mettle, it will be very interesting to see if Bayern Munich can finalize its proposed deal for 18-year-old Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, who has shown flashes of brilliance for the Blues.
Regardless, Nelson's ability and potential will be fully showcased at Hoffenheim. Once again proving what a fertile ground for development resides within the Bundesliga.
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