EVANS ABOVE

Boss Rodgers hails ‘steal of the century’ Jonny after Harry exit

LEICESTER CITY may have sold Harry Maguire to Manchester United for a British record £80million – but in Jonny Evans they have the ‘steal of the century’.

That is the message from Brendan Rodgers as he contemplates kicking off the new season at home to Wolves today without Maguire in his ranks.

Though United splashed the world’s biggest-ever fee for a defender to seal the Maguire deal, Rodgers reckons ex-Old Trafford ace Evans is every bit as good.

And, given the Northern Ireland international cost around 20 times less from West Brom 12 months ago, when it comes to value for money Evans trumps Maguire every time.

Foxes boss Rodgers said: “Jonny Evans could play for anyone in this league. For £3.5m, he’s the steal of the century!

“He is a top, top centre-half. I’d known about his qualities for a long time. But his reading of the game makes him absolutely top level in his position.

“For anyone who plays alongside him, it is a great experience. He’s different class.”

Rodgers (below) is equally complimentary when showering praise on his major acquisition of the summer – Belgium playmaker Youri Tielemans.

A £40m swoop secured the former Monaco star’s signature permanently, following his superb five months on loan last season at the King Power.

Tielemans, 22, has the world at his feet and, according to Rodgers, it is his remarkable footballing brain that makes him such a unique, special talent.

The ex-Liverpool, Celtic and Swansea manager added: “For me, it’s like having a coach out on the pitch. His knowledge of the game is tremendous. He understands and knows football – and what we’re trying do.

“Talent is one thing, but it’s nothing without the hunger to work hard and, like all our squad, he has this.”

Rodgers revealed Leicester had to fight off some “big clubs” to win the race for Tielemans – and the fact the midfielder favoured them over the likes of United and Tottenham underlines playing every week comes before a massive wage packet.

Rodgers added: “Leicester gives him the chance to flourish. Our style enables us to extract his best qualities.

“It was good that he didn’t wait for other opportunities to come along. He’s very mature. He wasn’t waiting to see who was offering him the most money.

“He had other options, big options, but he’s very focused on playing football.

“He’d felt the love of the fans last season and knew the dynamics within the squad and how we work.

“We are a community club. That was very important for him, and for his wife and young child.”

GO JONNY GO Rodgers feels that Evans (right) is as good as Maguire in Foxes’ defence