Leicester boss reveals why Demarai Gray hasn’t reached potential
While simultaneously lauding Demarai Gray’s talents, Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers also revealed why the winger hasn’t reached his potential.
Against Watford, Leicester City substitute Demarai Gray certainly made a positive impact: adding directness, confidence and urgency to the cause. When the match was 0-0 the Birmingham-born man gave the ball to Ben Chilwell who equally shocked with the velocity and precise accuracy of his sensational strike.
Obviously this story ended anticlimactically, with another defender, Craig Dawson of the Hornets, scoring an injury time overhead kick. Football is so unpredictable, jarring and randomly fair that it’s hard not to be obsessed. Anyway, I digress; back to the man of interest.
Is Demarai Gray a perpetual disappointment?
It’s not that I’m upset, Demarai, it’s just that I’m disappointed. In all honesty, many fans had so much faith in the England Under-23 international’s ability. And some Blue Army members still have! But, sadly, Gray’s form and potential never seems fully or consistently realised.
Now Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers, who was extremely optimistic about Gray following the Watford cameo, has given a possible reason for his prospect not showcasing the transition to premiership star – something that is evidently achievable for the former Birmingham player.
After the attacking deficiency during the boring Brighton clash, Rodgers confirmed that he aims to retain Gray when his contract ends in a year. Additionally, detracting from that, the Northern Irishman also alluded to the fact that his winger’s focus is not always sufficient. Whilst again hailing an abundant skill set.
Desire is another factor that sometimes seems absent in Gray’s presence. Foxes of Leicester actually guessed at concentration being a problem in a majority of uninspiring displays, too.
Hot. Rodgers gives FA Cup quarter-final starting XI hint. light
Leicester City’s next fixture is an FA Cup quarter-final versus Chelsea, to be played at King Power Stadium on Sunday. Frank Lampard’s side have won two successive games since the return to English top-flight action. That includes a victory over Manchester City, which handed the title to Liverpool. Though Rodgers will be confident: the East Midlanders haven’t lost to the Blues in their previous four meetings in all competitions.