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Blakeney: Wells can be one of the greats

Killer instinct: Bradford City and Bermuda international striker Nahki Wells.Photo supplied by Telegraph and Argus, Bradford.

Nahki Wells has the potential to become one of Bermuda’s “greatest football ambassadors”.That’s the view of Sports Minister Glenn Blakeney who has nothing but high expectations for the 21-year-old Bradford City striker.“I think Nahki Wells is one of Bermuda’s most promising football players with an exceptionally bright future. He’s only going to go from strength-to-strength,” the Minister said.“Nahki’s movement off-the-ball, his reading of the game, work ethic and general demeanour and character on and off the field bodes well for him becoming one of Bermuda’s greatest football ambassadors, provided he is able to sustain the kind of commitment, dedication and passion for the sport.”The ex-Dandy Town player gave a reminder of the wealth of potential he possesses by scoring two brilliant goals in his last two outings playing for Bradford and Bermuda.Wells netted the “best goal” of his career to date to spur Bradford to a 1-0 FA Cup win over Cal (Bummy) Symonds’ former club Rochdale. It was a gem of a goal from distance worthy of being shown on any highlight reel around the world.“Obviously the goal he scored in Britain is world class,” Blakeney said.Less than 48 hours later the past Premier Division MVP was at it again, this time firing in another long range effort at the National Sports Centre (NSC) in Bermuda’s 2-1 win against Barbados in a World Cup qualifier.“The goal he scored against Barbados was also sheer brilliance,” Blakeney said. “I think Nahki has exceptional talent and his work rate is unbelievable.”Wells’ crisp first touch and excellent control and movement on and off the ball stood out among the crowd in Bermuda’s recent win against Barbados at the NSC.“He was coming deep back into the midfield to collect the ball and his distribution was also good,” Blakeney said. “His speed is deceptive, he is tricky and also an opportunist.”Blakeney believes Wells’ “killer instinct” will carry him far in the professional game.“Nahki has a killer instinct and I don’t think we’ve seen the best of that killer instinct yet so I have very high hopes for him,” he said. “I wish him every continued success and think we are going to be hearing a lot more about the great goals he will be scoring over in Britain.”The Minister reckons the Bradford City striker can be a positive role model for aspiring footballers.“I think he is an excellent role model and someone young players can emulate in every aspect of their game and general deportment on and off the field,” Blakeney said. “I am very encouraged and proud of Nahki Wells and his accomplishments to date, even though he’s only been in the professional ranks for a short time relatively speaking.”Wells has placed more emphasis on his shooting lately which appears to be paying dividends.“I’ve been staying after training to do some shooting from 30 yards and doing a lot of finishing, which obviously paid off,” he told The Royal Gazette. “I know what I am capable of and know that I have the ability to strike the ball from that distance.”