KELLER INSTINCT
Rodgers: Deadly Iheanacho earned my trust
BRENDAN RODGERS has saluted Kelechi Iheanacho as being his ‘man for all seasons’.
Foxes chief Rodgers singled out the Nigerian 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 said: “From my perspective, Kels’ contribution doesn’t go amiss. He’s proven his worth to the club and the squad over the past few years.
Booed
“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, 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 matchwinner 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 for us. He has my trust.”
Leicester’s campaign burst into life last week, but it had looked as though it was struggling to get off the ground after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men took an early lead at the King Power when United rolled up eight days ago.
But then Iheanacho robbed Harry Maguire of the ball, setting up Youri Tielemans – and the Foxes’ fightback was underway.
Rodgers said: “What tells you a lot about Kels is that he’s very close with Patson. You can see a synergy between the pair of them.
“Patson would be a direct competitor for his position – but the two of them get on so well. Kels has grown and developed and he’s very important to us.”
Rodgers had an update on the contract negotiation between the club and Tielemans. Reports in midweek suggested that the Belgium star had turned down the Foxes’ latest offer.
Control
Rodgers 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 to ensure that his focus is on his performance – I don’t think he’s lost any of that. If his focus changes, it’s an issue. But I don’t see that.”