Unlikely hero Amartey praised for his versatility
DANIEL Amartey has been praised for his versatility and reliability after scoring what could be one of the most important goals of Leicester City’s season.
The Ghanaian defender became City’s 15th different scorer of the campaign when he became the unlikely hero at Brighton on Saturday, heading into an empty net after the Seagulls’ goalkeeper Robert Sanchez came for a corner and missed.
For Amartey, it was a rare chance to celebrate, the goal just his second in City colours and his first since December 2016, more than 1,500 days ago. For Rodgers, it was a deserved moment for a player who has been on a long road to recovery and has had to show his versatility to fill several gaps in the City side this season.
After two years spent recovering from an ankle break, Amartey returned to the City side earlier this term.
He’s now reached 15 appearances in all competitions, and played in some big wins including those against Manchester City, Tottenham, and Liverpool. He’s done so in a few positions too, coming in at rightback, and at centre-back as part of a four-man back-line and a three-man defence.
“He’s such a great guy, very honest to the game,” Rodgers said.
“He’s been out for a long, long time and has had setbacks along the way, but he gives you everything wherever you play him.
“He’s obviously playing in that third centre-half role at the moment.
“He’s played in some big performances for us this year, and now he’s come up against Brighton with a goal.
“We’re all happy for him. He’s a good guy who trains hard, he’s very honest, and never ever lets you down when he plays.”
Amartey has only made 79 City appearances but is one of the longest-serving players in the squad, having first arrived from FC Copenhagen for around £5 million in January 2016.
Only Kasper Schmeichel, Wes Morgan, Jamie Vardy, Marc Albrighton, and Christian Fuchs have been in the City first-team squad for longer.