Foxes of Leicester
Fansided

Ben Hamer praises Shinji Okazaki impact in Liverpool win

By Daniel Orme

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Shinji Okazaki of Leicester City celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Leicester City and Liverpool at The King Power Stadium on September 19, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Shinji Okazaki of Leicester City celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Leicester City and Liverpool at The King Power Stadium on September 19, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images) /
twitterredditfacebook

Leicester City goalkeeper Ben Hamer has praised the impact of striker Shinji Okazaki in the 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Premier League rivals Liverpool.

The Japanese forward was introduced in the early stages of the second period on Tuesday night due to an injury to Leonardo Ulloa. He then managed to be a huge influence as he scored the opener and played a key role in Islam Slimani’s impressive strike.

Having been under threat from waves of Reds’ attacks during the first half, Hamer highlighted how impressed he was with Okazaki after the break. Talking to LCFC TV, he said:

"“It was definitely a tale of two halves. The main difference tonight was when Shinji [Okazaki] came on.“He made a difference and lifted the whole place.“He made a tackle and went on a burst and the whole momentum of the game changed. We got our two goals, one from Shinji, and an absolute worldy from Islam [Slimani] as well.”"

Okazaki’s strike against Liverpool took his total to three goals for the season. He also scored in consecutive Premier League games against Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion at the start of the Premier League. The former Mainz 05 striker now looks set to beat his total of six goals from last term.

The 31-year old also netted six times as Leicester City lifted the Premier League crown in 2015/16. Hamer has highlighted how crucial Okazaki is to the team. He said:

"“Even from the start, [Shinji] is a great player. He has started the season unbelievably well. The lads love him here, he always gives 100 percent and gives us an impetus.“He lifts the place altogether and he has a habit of doing that. We’re happy to have him”"

Liverpool dominated the first half at the King Power Stadium and could have easily opened the scoring. The Reds had 12 shots on Ben Hamer’s goal within the first period alone.

Despite the win that saw Leicester City progress to the fourth round of the league cup, Hamer suggested that the team rode their luck at times throughout the game. The stopper revealed, though, how pleased he was with the second-half showing from his team. He said:

"“[Liverpool] did create quite a few good chances in the first half. They had a few shots on target that were quite comfortable for me to save. We got a lot better in the second half.”"

Leicester City next play Leeds United in the fourth round.

Home/Leicester City News