Loan spells can often be the making of some players’ career and for one young Leicester City star, his time away has proved to be just that.
The likes of Harvey Barnes and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall all benefitted from loan spells away from the King Power Stadium before breaking into the Foxes’ first team.
With Leicester all-but relegated, the squad is expected to look different and some of those already impressing on loan in the Championship.
One of those making great strides is young defender Ben Nelson and it appears that he already been tipped to go far.
Gary Rowett heaps praise on Oxford United loanee Ben Nelson
After being given chances here and there under Enzo Maresca, Nelson was sent out on loan to second tier outfit Oxford United.
There, the 21-year-old was able to find a place in the starting XI and was quickly becoming a fan favourite.
He then suffered a setback in his development after suffering a injury that kept him on the sidelines but Nelson has since returned and starred in Oxford’s 1-0 win against Sheffield United.
Under the guise of former Leicester player Gary Rowett, the centre-back has looked at home in the Championship and the O’s boss thinks the only way is up for Nelson.
He told the Oxford Press: “He’s got a big future ahead of him.
“That’s the thing. You can play really well in these games for 88 minutes, and if you make one mistakes, it’s game over.
“I thought it was a big performance from him. He got cramp near the end, but these are the things that build that resilience and build that belief in a young player.”
Ben Nelson is ready to play for Leicester now
Oxford’s win against Sheffield United was Nelson’s 12th appearance of the season and fourth under new manager Rowett.
Nelson’s talents have been known about for some time with Leicester fans keen to see him in action and this productive spell on loan has proved he is ready to become a senior figure in the East Midlands.
A huge summer overhaul is likely to see Wout Faes, Jannik Vestergaard and Conor Coady, among others depart, leaving Nelson with a clear pathway to the first team.
Whether Leicester stick with Ruud van Nistelrooy or, as the rumours say, replace him with Russell Martin, one thing is clear: Nelson must play next season.