Nathan Tella, Nigeria-born English footballer is currently one of the most wanted players on the list of the national team handlers since Nigeria aims big at the world stage.
The young generation of players that circles around the Super Eagles of Nigeria give the country hopes of winning laurels and Nathan Tella could be one of the players to help the country with such an achievement.
Since making his debut for Southampton Professional setup in 2020, the last player has managed to get over 15 appearances.
One of the notable matches he has had for Southampton was against Liverpool when he singlehandedly stopped the reds from penetrating deep inside the half of the home side.
In a game that was eventually won by the saints, Tella won the heart of his manager at the club.
However, making a turn the national setup, the 1999 born midfielder is yet to make the move even though everyone wants him.
From Nigeria, there are already plans of bringing him to the national team ahead of the 2021 AFCON or even the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
But these plans are yet to manifest since the player himself is yet to make a clear decision as it concerns the choice of his national team.
On the other hand, the Stevenage born English midfielder has a lot to offer if eventually, he chooses Nigeria over England, his country of birth.
This feature takes a look at what Nathan Tella would offer Nigeria if he decides to play for the country
1. Excellent decision making
One of the games we saw his ability to make good calls was against Liverpool on the 4th of January 2021, which Southampton won by a lone goal.
He was able to dictate the pace of the game, supplying passes to the front line times he was supposed to do so.
Coming back to the defensive play, he was also excellent in that angle.
2. Better crosses towards the attacker
Some of the problems the senior national team of Nigeria has faced in a long time are well-placed crosses.
Leicester City’s star man Wilfred Ndidi is the only player alongside Alex Iwobi, who can easily make beautiful passes towards the frontline.
Since there are players like Iheanacho, Samuel Chukewze, Paul Onuachu, Ahmed Musa, Henry Onyekuru, Victor Osimhen, etc. What the Super Eagles need is a good passer or something who can make good crosses inside the opponents half.
3. Stamina, pace and intensity
There’s one thing Southampton’s saw in Tella, the ability to control the ball without having problems.
Tella is one of the best and promising players with such talent.
4. Good fighting spirit
After the game that Southampton had won against Liverpool, coach of the side Ralph Hasenhuttl praised his players particularly Nathan Tella for his ability to help prevent Liverpool’s onslaught after Danny Ings had scored the goal.
As per the coach, the player’s fighting spirit was well and impressive.
5. Promising talent for the future
One of the main reasons why national team handlers are always on the hunt for young players is to secure the future of their national team.
Nathen Tella who has a bright future and promises better performance if he is selected is one of the top young midfielders in the world right now.
At least for his club Southampton, he promises so much more, reasons why Ralph Hasenhuttl considered giving him a try.
Also Read: Owen Otasowie, why Nigeria missed out on him
This is more is what Nathan Tella would offer to Nigeria if he eventually agrees to join the Super Eagles in the end amid England’s interest in him.
The latest as Nigeria continues its search for a promising midfielder
Southampton U23 coach tells Nigeria what he can offer
As per the Team B coach, the player is one of the best in his team, and he is perfect for the country’s national team.
According to the coach, Nathan plans with intensity and pace, adding to the experience he has gotten so far as a player.
There are also talks of Tella choosing Nigeria over England even though he was born in England.
Nigeria plans for a better outing both in Africa and at the world stage and the Southampton midfield might as well add his own experience to the development of the Super Eagles in the nearest future.