Why Cengiz Under isn’t playing: Leicester boss doesn’t trust his defending

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers explains why Turkish international winger Cengiz Under was unused in the goalless draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Following the pretty entertaining stalemate with Wolves, the Northern Irishman divulged his reasoning in disregarding the option of introducing the Roma loanee to the match in order to possibly initiate victory:

"“With all due respect to Cengo [Cengiz Under], he’s one who is offensively very good, but doing the other side of it is something he’s not accustomed to. And when you’re playing against a back five with a wing-back who is running, you need to ensure the guy you’re putting on, or starting with, is able to do that work. It’s as simple as that.“We felt it was a game where Marc [Albrighton] could come in and do the work going forward, but you need to have that diligence to do it on the other side.”– Brendan RodgersVia Leicestershire Live"

To be perfectly honest, Foxes of Leicester disagrees with Rodgers’ assertion with regard to this specific assessment: yes, Wolves are a dangerous and prudently managed team – which is precisely why the Foxes needed an injection of unpredictability and effervescence on the wing.

Albrighton could still have been utilised in a different capacity on the opposing wing or even in a midfield/full-back role. If Leicester seriously want to qualify for the Champions League this season – then defeating sides such as Wanderers’ is inescapable. With no disrespect intended to the brilliant Nuno Espirito Santo.

Leicester City star returns

Elsewhere, Rodgers also elaborated on his use and the revival of Hamza Choudhury, following the Academy graduate almost leaving Filbert Way in January. A reintroduction that is a bit strange as, overall, Papy Mendy has been wonderful when deputising for Wilfred Ndidi this campaign.

Yet Rodgers hailed Choudhury’s ball recovery during the defensive-minded midfielder’s return for two successive matches. The latter’s influence in helping Leicester’s defence was also cited by the gaffer; in addition to the endurance and fitness levels of the English athlete. However, with Ndidi back fit, it’s only a matter of time before both Mendy and Choudhury are warming the bench for another prolonged period.