Loan moves often serve as a turning point in a player’s career, and for a young Leicester City talent, his time away from the club has proven just that.
Players like Harvey Barnes and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall benefitted from loan spells before securing their places in the first team at Leicester.
With the Foxes on the brink of relegation, significant changes are expected within the squad, with some players already impressing during their loans in the Championship.
One of those making notable progress is young defender Ben Nelson, who is already being tipped for a bright future.
Gary Rowett praises Oxford United loanee Ben Nelson After receiving limited opportunities under Enzo Maresca, Nelson was loaned out to Oxford United in the Championship.
There, the 21-year-old established himself as a regular starter and quickly became a fan favorite.
Though he faced a setback with an injury that kept him sidelined for a period, Nelson has since made a strong comeback, playing a key role in Oxford’s 1-0 victory over Sheffield United.
Under former Leicester player Gary Rowett, Nelson has settled well in the Championship, and Rowett believes the sky’s the limit for him.
Rowett commented to the Oxford Press: “He’s got a big future ahead of him. You can play excellently for 88 minutes, but one mistake can cost you. I thought he put in a big performance. He got cramp towards the end, but these experiences help build resilience and belief in a young player.”
Ben Nelson ready for Leicester first-team duty Oxford’s win against Sheffield United marked Nelson’s 12th appearance of the season and fourth under Rowett’s management.
Nelson’s talent has long been recognized by Leicester supporters, who have been eager to see him play. This successful loan spell has further confirmed that he is ready for a senior role at Leicester.
With a significant summer overhaul expected, players like Wout Faes, Jannik Vestergaard, and Conor Coady are likely to depart, providing Nelson with a clear path to the first team.
Whether Leicester retain Ruud van Nistelrooy or replace him with Russell Martin, one thing is certain: Nelson deserves to play next season.
