Leicester player reviews: Get Carter’s 20/21 – Schmeichel and the understudies
By Damon Carter
Danny Ward
Appearances total – 5 – Premier League – 0 / FA Cup – 2 / Europa League – 2 / Total clean sheets 2
Moment to savour – 1 more appearance than the previous season
Moment to forget – His part in Eddie Nketiah’s goal in the League Cup
The life of a second-choice goalkeeper is one of patience and more patience. Not just over a year, but over the course of many years. With his third full season behind him, Ward has now amassed a grand total of 14 appearances which takes Leicester City underneath the million pound a game mark at least. With Schmeichel such a permanent fixture between the Leicester sticks, Ward will most likely be philosophical about it, with his game time restricted to when the Danish stopper needed rest, Ward has done okay under the circumstances.
Although his rustiness was notable at the end of the League cup game with Arsenal where his hesitation to block Nketiah was alarming. Likewise, his parried shot at the end of the Brentford game should have been punished. But as Ward continues to be number one for Wales and saves penalties from stars like Karim Benzema he will surely be given more time at Leicester City.
Rating 6/10 – Chances of leaving – 0%
Eldin Jakupovic
Appearances – 0
Moment to savour – none
Moment to forget – none
Also. Why Brendan Rodgers is so respected by his players. light
If the life of a second-choice goalie is one of patience, then the life of the third choice is even stranger (see this article for more). Jakupovic will rarely ever play but he is there to challenge the two ahead of him to be better and be ready in case there is any goalkeeping injury crisis. Rodgers seems happy with his contribution.
Chances of leaving – 50%