Why Demarai Gray was dropped from the Leicester squad entirely

After a slight increase in quality of displays during the 2019/20 restart and some decent work pre-season, Demarai Gray was dropped for Leicester City’s EPL opener.

He does not look happy in the photograph above, does he?! Demarai Gray didn’t even make the substitute bench for Leicester City’s opening Premier League clash versus West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.

And, to be perfectly frank, despite my former opinion of the player being disparaging – basically I’ve suggested many times over the years that he should’ve been sold and profit reinvested, due to potential never being reached – because of no new marquee winger being bought, Gray is, ironically, possibly needed.

Leicester City winger dropped

As previously mentioned, the former England U-21 man contributed a few goal involvements in the run-in and looked sharp as a sub. Against Sheffield Wednesday in the Foxes’ friendly in Loughborough prior to 2020/21 beginning, the 24 year old also seemed focused, for once.

Consequently it was a mild surprise not to see Gray’s name included in the matchday team. Foxes of Leicester were not expecting him to start the West Brom contest, but he’s arguably earned a reserve spot.

Following the 3-0 win, which obviously justified Brendan Rodgers’ decision – what do I know?! – the Northern Irish Leicester boss explained his reason. Rodgers believed Marc Albrighton would give him sustained defensive cover; the manager wanted “minutes” for James Maddison; and finally Rodgers stated Kelechi Iheanacho is the side’s back-up striker. What’s more revealing is what the gaffer isn’t confirming about Gray clearly being out-of-favour.