KELECHI A NACHORAL
Rodgers hails Nigerian: He’s a striker for all seasons
BRENDAN RODGERS has saluted Kelechi Iheanacho as his man for all seasons.
Foxes boss Rodgers singled out the Nigeria striker for praise, despite others grabbing Leicester’s headline goals this week.
Jamie Vardy bagged a beauty in last weekend’s victory over Manchester United, then new boy Patson Daka thumped all four in the Europa League win at Spartak Moscow.
But Rodgers (below) said: “From my perspective, Kell’s contribution doesn’t go amiss. He’s proven his worth to the club and the squad over the past few years.
“I remember when I first came in here, he was being booed for just going on the pitch.
“All of a sudden that’s changed and he’s become a young player who everyone recognises is a big talent. He was our top goalscorer last season.
“Yes, he’s our man for all seasons. He can play up front on his own, plays in a two... and he’s a joy to work with.
“He smiles every day, he has a love of football and he works his socks off.
“Ultimately, though, he’s performing and he’s been doing that to a really high level for the past 14 or 15 months. He’s been the match-winner for us.
“Whenever Vards has been out, he’s stood up, scored and been counted.
“Now I know that, if he starts or comes off the bench, he will make a really important contribution. He has my trust.”
Leicester’s campaign burst into life last week, but it had looked as if it was struggling to get off the ground after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men took an early lead at the King Power eight days ago.
But then Iheanacho robbed Harry Maguire of the ball, setting up Youri Tielemans – and the fightback was under way.
Rodgers said: “What tells you a lot about Kells is that he’s very close with Patson. You can see a synergy between the pair of them.
“From the moment that Patson came in, Kells tried to help and really embrace him. Patson would be a direct competitor for his position – but the two of them get on so well and you see the happiness from Kells when Patson scores and vice versa.
“Kells has grown and developed and he’s very important to us.”
Rodgers had an update on the new contract negotiation between the club and Tielemans. Reports in midweek had suggested the Belgium star had turned down the Foxes’ latest offer. But
Rodgers suggested such matters are out of his hands.
He said: “There is dialogue between the club and Youri’s people. The club is waiting to hear back from them.
“It’s out of my control. What I can control is Youri’s mentality and his commitment to the team – and you cannot question those at all.
“My role is that I need to ensure his focus is on his performance and I don’t think he’s lost any of that.
“He’s a gifted young player. I understand the nature of the game.
“If his commitment and focus changes, it’s an issue. But I don’t see that.”
Rodgers added: “Youri’s representatives have a job – and that is to do their best for him.
“I’m just concentrating on doing my job, which is the football side of things.”