Interview

‘We all come from Hale End… I’m living my dream'

Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock
Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock

There was the refreshing sight of three academy graduates in our starting XI against Burnley on Saturday.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson have all come through the youth ranks to force themselves into our first team and, after impressing at Newcastle United last weekend, all three retained their places for our win over the Clarets.

Speaking after the match, Willock discussed the youthful look to our team, and also commented on Dani Ceballos’ stellar display. Here’s what he said:

on youngsters in the team…

It shows how good the academy is. We’re all coming from the same place, Hale End, and we’re all progressing. To play alongside my closest friend in Reiss is amazing - it’s a dream come true. I’m just living my dream.

on Auba’s winner and his start to the season…

Everyone knows what a world-class player he is. He continues to score goals, saving us and winning us games. That’s what he’s in the team to do. I’m not surprised, he does it every day on the training ground. It’s not a surprise at all.

on Dani Ceballos’ performance…

I wasn’t surprised either. You see in training every day he’s technical and he’s from a big club like Real Madrid. Those are the performances we expect - but he was brilliant today.