Leicester City's Ben Nelson emerges after three-month wait, with Cifuentes praising his progress | OneFootball

Ben Nelson has cemented a place in Leicester City’s defence after a difficult start, forming a partnership with Jannik Vestergaard. He looks set to continue at centre-back at QPR on Saturday.

According to LeicesterMercury.co.uk, manager Marti Cifuentes is delighted with the 21-year-old’s progress after last season’s loan at Oxford, where he played many minutes and helped them avoid relegation. He sees Nelson as a quality defender who is growing despite injuries, and believes he has everything to become a very good player.

First named in a senior City squad five years ago at 16, Nelson’s push followed a bruising cup tie at Huddersfield, when he was fortunate not to concede two penalties. He did not feature again until starting against Middlesbrough in early November.

Cifuentes maintained that one game does not define a player, pointing to injuries and a team in good rhythm that made breaking into the 11 hard. He praised Nelson’s patience, saying development often comes through adversity in football and in life.

After an injury in his second start at Norwich, Nelson returned straight to the line-up once fit, signalling his place in the manager’s plans. Cifuentes also highlights his willingness to listen and improve.

Work continues on his understanding with team-mates such as Vestergaard, Ricardo Pereira and Hamza Choudhury. The emphasis is on using his strengths, from covering long and channel balls to aerial ability and calmness on the ball.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk