Leicester boss on bringing Soyuncu, Pereira into lineup

Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has spoken about bringing Ricardo Pereira and Caglar Soyuncu into the Foxes lineup, with the Turk starting in the FA Cup.

It is almost unfathomable to think that two of the standout defenders from the first part of the 2019/20 Premier League are struggling to get back into their team. And that a then 19-year-old, along with a player jumping two divisions could do so – Foxes Wesley Fofana and James Justin.

However, that explanation is not technically accurate. Soyuncu and Ricardo have both been injured for long periods of time; the Portuguese being sidelined for an extended period which began almost a year ago before suffering a reoccurrence upon his return. Neither man has lost their place: their positions were inherited by incoming inexperienced EPL youngsters who have now established themselves.

Not only that, Fofana and Justin have actually become two of the most promising young starlets in world football. Don’t ‘@’ me on that assessment, just read national media reporting on the two. Both of whom will receive senior international call-ups very soon, I am sure of it.

In addition, the Leicester manager has made it clear on several occasions that Soyuncu nor Ricardo will be risked; a more gentle reintroduction is being conducted. As opposed to throwing them in from the start in the Europa League, which crocked the pair before.

Leicester City boss on bringing stars back into lineup

During his pre-FA Cup press conference on Friday, Rodgers spoke of how Soyuncu will start against Brentford on Sunday, as per Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett.

According to Leicestershire Live, the Northern Irishman has no problem fielding Ricardo as a winger, saying: “Yes, absolutely no question [Ricardo can play on the wing]. He has that talent. It’s his best work when he’s up there”.