Nelson made his first start in continental competition in last month’s Europa League win at BATE Borisov and former Gunners defender Martin Keown was enthused by the 17-year-old’s performance.

Arsenal 6/1 to win Europa League

“It’s quite phenomenal the ability this boy has,” the retired defender told BT Sport. “There’s certainly a big future there, he really does look a wonderful talent.

“He showed the sort of touches that you often see or associate with a Neymar or a real top player.”

Speaking exclusively to Goal , Nelson confessed to have being left a little embarrassed by having been likened to the world’s most expensive player.

“That is a very big stretch to say something like that,” he admits. “Neymar is world-class and if I can get anything close to him in near future, I’d be delighted.

“I’m still young and anything can happen. I think a lot of the older boys have helped me, especially those who have broken into the first-team (from the academy).

“People like Jack (Wilshere), he has helped me a lot. Alex Iwobi has told me to stay grounded. I’ve got a really good family that helps me as well.

“Whenever I think it’s getting a bit much I’ll go to my family and they will sit me down and bring me back to earth.”

However, Nelson, who is presently being deployed as a wing-back by Arsenal, revealed that the club’s all-time record goalscorer Henry has also had a massive impact on both his character and his game.

“Thierry is an Arsenal legend and I had an opportunity to spend time with him when he was a coach at the academy,” the England Under-19 winger explains.

“I think he helped me a lot over his short time as Arsenal coach and he showed me little things that I took on board and have now started to show in my game.

“He was a great coach for me but he’s also a great guy. He helped the younger players a lot and he said that the main things at Arsenal are respect and hard work. He always underlined these two things.

“He said if you could take that in at a young age, the talent will do its work; that if you work hard and respect everyone around you, you can push on to become a top player.”

Having made four appearances in total during his Arsenal career so far, Nelson is optimistic of his chances of progressing further in the coming months.

“I’m delighted. I wouldn’t say I’ve broken into the team but I am getting a sniff of first team football. I’m happy with that. If I continue to do well and the gaffer puts his trust in me, I can break into the first team soon,” he concluded.

Lukas Vrablik is a Slovakian football journalist, specialising in Eastern European football