‘TIELEMANS IS TOP CLASS’
RODGERS PRAISES HIS BELGIAN MIDFIELDER AMID SPECULATION ABOUT A BIG MONEY MOVE AWAY
BRENDAN Rodgers heaped praise on Youri Tielemans’ performance against Norwich and defended the midfielder as speculation surrounding his future grows in intensity, writes Jack Johnson.
Goals from Jamie Vardy and James Maddison earned the club’s first win in eight games and helped them move back into the Premier League’s top 10.
Tielemans played more like himself, returning to form after a run of games shy of his high standards.
Rumours have been swirling around Tielemans’ future at City with his contract running out next summer. Fans had begun to question how dedicated he was heading into the final games of the season, with the crowd audibly frustrated with his performance in the previous game against Everton.
However, Rodgers has jumped to his midfielder’s defence and praised the Belgian’s performance and attitude.
He told his post-match press conference: “I thought he was excellent tonight.”
“The problem, because of the gossip and speculation around it, it shines a light on him. For me, he’s still the same guy, his professionalism is first class. That’s why I always play him.
“He makes passes in the team that not many can make. I thought he worked ever so hard and he fights for the team and that’s the type of person he is. I thought he showed a great commitment to the team, but I can’t remember any time he hasn’t.
“He’s maybe not played to the top of his level sometimes but his commitment, his training every day, and his preparation shows he’s a top-class professional. I thought he did really well this evening.”
With Tielemans entering the final 12 months of his contract at the King Power Stadium, teams are likely to be circling for his signature, knowing he could be available for a cut-price deal.
Arsenal, Tottenham, and Real Madrid are among the sides who have been linked, but there remains a contract on the table at City too.
Asked for an update on the contract situation, Rodgers said: “I don’t know where it’s at.
“The club will speak to his representatives but for me, I coach him and manage him and work with him, so I can’t give you anything further.”
His future may still be up in the air, but it seems Rodgers remains trusting of his player, and so he is expected to feature over the final three games of the season.
If this is to be Tielemans’ final campaign, his last game at the King Power Stadium will be in just over a week’s time, against Southampton, in the season finale.