James Collins says Nathan Fraser’s work ethic has taken him from average, middle of the group young footballer, to a serious propsect at Wolves.
The 18-year-old striker turned out for the U21s on Monday, and scored in a 2-1 win over PSV Eindhoven at Molineux.
Fraser is splitting his time between the first-team and the U21s this season.
Wolves had wanted to bring in another striker in the summer transfer window.
They have made late moves for Che Adams and then Boulaye Dia, but were rebuffed by Southampton and Salernitana.
As a result, Fraser is now the fourth-choice striker for Gary O’Neil, behind Matheus Cunha, Sasa Kalajdzic and Fabio Silva.
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This role still allows him to feature for the U21s, and manager Collins could not hide his pride in Fraser on Monday night…
James Collins piles praise on Nathan Fraser for his amazing work ethic at Wolves
Fraser is now one of the best prospects of Molineux.
This was not really the case a couple of years ago. But Fraser was worked his socks off to reach the point he’s at now.
After the win over PSV, Collins provided a bit of insight into the teenager’s work ethic.
He said (Express & Star): “He’s a great example – I feel like I say the same thing every time I’ve asked about Nathan.
“Two years ago he was middle of the group, an average middle of the group young footballer that if you said to me what’s he going be, where’s he going end up, I’d have probably said lower league possibly, maybe even non-league!
“He was in at 7am Sunday morning, you drive in and you think you’re first in but he’s there before you and he’s benefitting from that.
“All of a sudden he looks a better player, his hold-up play is better, his finishing is better, he’s robust because he’s doing the work and all of a sudden you get a player on your hands who everybody’s after.”
Fraser could be a gem
Wolves really could have a gem on their hands in Fraser.
The 18-year-old is a proper centre-forward that combines pace, power and good link-up play.
Potentially, he could be really well suited to the Premier League.
Wolves have to manage him carefully. If they get it right, then the club could really hit the jackpot with Fraser.
Especially because he seems to have a fantastic mentality.
Collins’ remarks really do suggest Fraser will stop at nothing to make it at Wolves.
