Despite Leicester City’s winless run continuing with a draw against Middlesbrough, Ben Nelson certainly offered hope for the future. It’s been a real mystery as to why the centre-back hasn’t played more this season, especially considering City’s defensive woes. Marti Cifuentes’ side currently has a plus-one goal difference, having conceded 15 goals in 14 games. In addition to this, they have kept just three clean sheets, which further suggests the issues within the backline. Therefore, here’s how Nelson made a difference in the Foxes’ draw.
Marti Cifuentes hails ‘Excellent’ Ben Nelson
Ben Nelson’s Performance Versus Middlesbrough
Before yesterday’s game against Boro, Nelson’s first-team opportunities looked completely forgotten. He had played just once, which was against Huddersfield Town in the Carabao Cup, a game where he struggled and made many mistakes. As a result, Cifuentes continued to prefer the likes of Caleb Okoli and Wout Faes, whilst Nelson couldn’t even make the bench. However, the growing frustration around the current squad and their recent form has led to the youngster’s first league start.
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In the Tuesday night game, he was terrific. Assured and confident on the ball, whilst also succeeding defensively in his duels. The 21-year-old won three tackles, made nine clearances, and won all four of his duels. This was a major aspect of City’s success in the game, as they defended resolutely in a low block. Although the clean sheet was snatched away with a 96th-minute header from Luke Ayling, there were certainly many positives to take from the Englishman’s performance.
Cifuentes echoed this praise in his post-match comments. He said: “I’m very happy for him, he was excellent. I would say that he has been deserving [of] the chance, his training level has improved a lot, and we know that there is a lot of competition in all the positions, but he deserved [it], and today the way he responded was top”.
How Does This Affect Nelson’s Future
Although the change to bring him in didn’t lead to City’s second win since August, it does bode well for the future. It shows that the manager is willing to give the younger players an opportunity, which is a positive step away from seeing the same players who featured in the 2023 and 2025 relegations. Cifuentes even recently stated that having too many players “basically kills the opportunities for academy players”. Therefore, it’s evident that the rebuild needs to start around young players like Nelson, who are more than ready to play at this level.
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Of the four centre-backs currently available, the Englishman is by far the most complete. As the manager said, he can use both feet, which is crucial to playing out from the back and being comfortable when under pressure. Furthermore, defensively, he is excellent, as seen by his season with Oxford, where there was a greater impetus to soak up pressure without the ball. The likes of Vestergaard and Okoli aren’t as complete and have major holes in their game, like Vestergaard’s speed or Okoli’s passing.
Nelson has been around the Foxes’ first team for several years now, having been on the bench in a Europa League tie against Napoli at age 17. His first real run in the side came under Enzo Maresca two years ago, where he made nine appearances. The Italian coach has been an admirer of the centre-back as Chelsea were linked to him in the summer, and Maresca once stated: “He’s quick. He can play right or left — it’s perfect”. However, this wasn’t enough to break into the starting eleven under Steve Cooper, as he was sent out on loan to Oxford United. As a result, is this performance against Middlesbrough the start of a run in the first team?
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