EPL: You’ve to become ‘go-to guy’ – Rio Ferdinand challenges Arsenal forward

By Adeleye Kunle

Former Manchester United centre-back, Rio Ferdinand has challenged Arsenal forward, Reiss Nelson to continue to push for a starting spot under manager Mikel Arteta.

Ferdinand wants Nelson to become the ‘go-to guy’ for the Gunners when Bukayo Saka is not fit.

Nelson made his first English Premier League appearance of the season on Sunday against Nottingham Forest at the Emirates.

The 22-year-old replaced Saka, who had to be substituted due to an injury at the 27-minute mark.

He scored two goals and registered an assist in Arsenal’s 5-0 win against Nottingham Forest, and Ferdinand has urged Nelson to continue to push for a first-team place at the North London club.

Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel (via The Boot Room): “The big thing for him is he can’t allow this to be just another moment. This has to become, not the norm, scoring two, but the norm in being relied upon in Arsenal’s setup.

“He needs to be the go-to guy when Saka or Martinelli aren’t fit, or if they are out of form, or if the game’s not going well, then all of a sudden he’s pushing to be a starter in this team.”

He added, “It can’t be that you’ve had this moment now and celebrated it and we don’t see him again for another year and he goes on a couple of loans.