Why Demarai Gray was left out of Leicester squad for Everton

Leicester City defeated Everton 2-1 on Sunday, thanks to a last minute Kelechi Iheanacho goal. But why wasn’t Demarai Gray involved?

The perennially underperforming Demarai Gray is now integral to the Leicester City squad, as he attempts to shell that moniker. And he’s doing a good job of carving out a better role for himself.

This campaign, Brendan Rodgers has attempted to extract the best from his wingman. Occasionally Gray is used as a striker or support forward, with decent success if coming on as a substitute. When starting, which is a rarity, there is still a lot to be desired.

Maybe ‘super sub’ is the best option for the former Birmingham City player. There is a lot lesser professions in life than an important, bit part contributor in the Premier League. However, skill set-wise and in his own, confident opinion, Gray is an elite athlete and should be starting for whichever team he graces.

Focus, desire in a Leicester City shirt

In the past, this writer has accused Gray of lacking focus and desire; if felt like Instagram was the most important thing to the winger, at times. Disrespectful as that might sound, indeed, it is probably unfair. Though with the talent and natural ability possessed by the 23-year-old, many Foxes supporters felt that way.

It was a particular point of interest that gray wasn’t named in the matchday squad for the premiership victory for Leicester City on Sunday versus Everton. He had been the first forward choice from the bench, with Kelechi Iheanacho previously out-of-favour. Manager Brendan Rodgers explained the reason for Gray’s absence:

"“I got a message this morning from Dave [Rennie] saying he’d [Gray had] been up all night with flu symptoms. We didn’t want to bring him in and risk the rest of the squad. So hopefully he’ll be ok for midweek. [Vs. Watford]”Via: Leicester Mercury"