Wolves academy graduate Nathan Fraser was rewarded for his hard work with his full Premier League debut on Saturday, as Gary O’Neil selected the 19-year-old to lead the line against Fulham.
Wolves were praised for their ability to secure three points against Fulham on Saturday afternoon, despite the squad’s current injury woes.
Gary O’Neil was missing two of his starting forwards through the absence of Hwang Hee-chan and Matheus Cunha, not eased by the withdrawal of Pedro Neto and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde during the fixture.
Against the odds, the Old Gold earned a well-fought three points against the Londoners thanks to goals from Rayan Ait-Nouri and Nelson Semedo, making it a celebratory occasion aside from the injuries.
It was a good day in particular for 19-year-old academy graduate Nathan Fraser, who was handed his full Premier League debut by O’Neil to cover for the injured Hwang.
Nathan Fraser made a good impression on his full Premier League debut
On a day which required a lot of mental strength from the academy jewel, Fraser stepped up to the mark, putting in an admirable shift both going forward and in helping his team when they weren’t in possession against Fulham.
As per Sofascore, the teenager recorded one shot on target and one key pass, as well as winning three out of his four ground duels and making two tackles in what was a critically rounded display.
In his 77-minute cameo, the youngster showcased just what he could offer O’Neil in the near future, with him proving that he has both the ability and mentality to play amongst the best in the top flight.
Nathan Fraser was overjoyed to make his full Premier League debut
Speaking to the Wolves official media team after the game, Fraser shared his joy after the “surreal” experience of starting in the Premier League for the first time for his boyhood club.
“It was quite unexpected, but definitely, for me, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do, so it was amazing.”
“It’s a bit surreal. When you look at it, it’s mental when you actually think, ‘I’ve just started a game in the Premier League’. Before the game you just focus on your job and trying to get the three points, which we did, so it was good.”
The youngster admitted that he experienced a “nerve-wracking” 24 hours prior to the game after finding out he was to start the fixture however, it was a special occasion for the striker born in Wolverhampton.
“When I was little, I’d drive past the stadium and look at it, so to be playing in front of that many supporters, especially when you’re starting, there’s quite a lot of expectations especially when you’re playing as a number nine. It went well so I’m happy.”
While it’s disappointing to see Wolves without their star talents, their absences present a significant opportunity for Fraser to break further into the first team, with his first Premier League start impressing many.