Sporting director Matt Hobbs says Nathan Fraser has reached a crucial point in his career, after the young striker continued his Wolves journey by signing a new contract.
The 19-year-old is on the back of his breakthrough season in Gary O’Neil’s first-team, for whom he played ten times and scored two goals, and has now secured his future for the next four seasons.
Hobbs, who confirmed a loan move for Fraser is the target next season, piled praise on the striker for his attitude, which has got him to this point, and has now called on him to take further steps forward across the 2024/25 campaign.
On Fraser continuing his journey
“Nathan’s been here a long time, so it’s nice for him to be able to continue his journey with us. He’s coming to a really important stage of his career, where he’s really got to kickstart it and define what that career will look like.
“He’s a great kid who gets the absolute best out of himself and works his socks off to be the best player he can be, so whatever level Nathan ends up at, he’ll be at the very highest level he can for his talent because he won’t do anything by half.”
On the example he sets for others
“There are two sides. The pathway’s clear, so if you’re good enough and put the work in, there’s an opportunity for you. At the same time, Nathan will admit he was never the star in any of his age groups, never one people will have earmarked for this, but every year he was super consistent, worked hard, and made sure he maximised everything he had.
“The main example he sets to the boys in the academy is to come in every day and work hard and live to be the best footballer you can be, and you’ll have a chance. Nathan’s attitude is the biggest example he sets for the players coming through.”
On gaining first-team experience
“The experiences were really important for him. Any time you get put in a situation that is a test and allows you to find a lot about yourself, and potentially exposes you, is a really valuable learning curve. But you’ve got to be intelligent and open enough to see it as a learning opportunity. He’s always taken stuff away and understood what he needs to do better.
“Nathan’s also great at asking questions, so if you were to talk to the defenders, he’s talking to them about what they don’t want centre forwards to do and what is hard for them to play against. He’s always trying to learn, so that thirst for learning to make him the best version of himself is an incredible trait he has.”
On what the future holds for Fraser
“The plan this season will be for Nathan to go out on loan. I think it’s important now he’s had a taste of men’s football that he gets as much game time as possible under his belt in the league. It’s Saturday-Tuesday, game in, game out, understanding what it takes.
“There’s learning a bit of nous to do. Centre forwards tend to develop their game understanding a little later, and also their understanding of themselves. So, we’ll get him out playing games this year and see how he develops doing that.”
