He may still have his detractors at Deepdale, but Lukas Nmecha’s quality has been recognised this afternoon.
The Manchester City loanee hasn’t quite been the goalscorer Preston expected him to be, but he clearly has huge potential. At just 20, Nmecha is playing his first full season as a professional, which comes with its peaks and troughs.
Two goals in 32 games is far from ideal, especially given his billing when he arrived. However, he has improved his game over the course of the campaign, particularly impressing out wide.
Nmecha showed his class against Blackburn Rovers last weekend, producing a fine run and assist for Daniel Johnson’s winner. With a little run in the side on the right flank, Nmecha could be key towards the end of the season.
Interestingly, Nmecha’s performances have now sparked interest which could result in a major career change for the young forward.
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Nmecha may have 31 caps for England at youth levels from Under-16 up to Under-21, but an international switch could be coming.
That’s because Germany have today announced a real shock; that Nmecha is part of their Under-21 squad. He will head off for games against France and, ironically, England later this month.
Born in Hamburg, Nmecha could now switch his allegiance to Germany at senior level in a move few were expecting. Because these are just Under-21 friendlies, he’ll still be eligible to change his nationality; England, Germany and even Nigeria are in play.
Some Preston fans haven’t taken to Nmecha, feeling he doesn’t work hard enough. Not only does manager Alex Neil disagree, but the Germany setup clearly do too – that’s why they’re making a shock attempt to prise him away from England’s grasp.
Now rubbing shoulders with the likes of Nadiem Amiri and Benjamin Henrichs, Nmecha could be set for a real future with Germany on the international stage. Maybe, just maybe, Nmecha will prove his doubters wrong both for club and country in the years to come.