Leicester: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall set for Premier League role

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall made a remarkable mark after being introduced around the 62nd minute as a Leicester City substitute. What did the boss have to say?

During City’s last preseason outing against Queens Park Rangers, the Foxes had to grasp every straw to conclude the contest at a stalemate. QPR managed to gain the upper hand in the first half by a prolific finish from Charlie Austin. The difference broadened when QPR capitalized from a set-piece ten minutes into the second half.

The Blue Army looked distraught when manager Brendan Rodgers decided to withdraw several players and changed the formation to a 3-4-1-2. Jakupovic, Amartey, Nelson, Benkovic, Albrighton, Choudhury, Dewsbury-Hall, Thomas, Sowah, Iheanacho, and Daka were introduced to the pitch with 28 minutes remaining.

Just within 13 minutes, the sharpness produced the spark. City created a chance when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall fed a perfect through ball for Daka, but the Zambian couldn’t capitalize and was outmuscled, leaving the ball unattended. Sensing the opportunity, Dewsbury-Hall rushed for a pristine finish which swished past the keeper for a great goal.

Soon after, from an exquisite Marc Albrighton assist, Daka got what he deserved when he scored his first goal in Leicester City colors. Unfortunately, again QPR exploited from a corner and regained a short-lived lead. Finally, Daka won a penalty from the off-timed challenge on him by the QPR shot-stopper for Kelechi Iheanacho to covert it for a 3-3 scoreline.

Impressing the Leicester City boss

Dewsbury-Hall was keen on setting an impression on the City boss during the preseason. It was exactly what the young midfielder managed to do. After the match, Brendan Rodgers was asked on the player’s future, to which he profoundly replied:

"“He’ll definitely be staying, definitely be in the squad. He’s a local boy and he’s desparate to play, got a taste of it in the FA cup, did brilliant at Luton. He’s come back stronger, has a winning menality. I’ve been really impressed with him. You can see the difference in him. Another young boy from the ranks of the club and hopefully we can develop him the same way.”-Brendan Rodgers via Leicester Mercury."

Furthermore, the Northern Irishman was asked what did he learn from the boys’ performances in this game.

"“We’ve got a lot of work to do in the next couple of weeks. The attitude and application has been very good. Youri got his first minutes, so he has a bit to go in fitness, Ayo worked hard but his energy ran out. Harvey as well. We didn’t have the energy. In the second half we had the energy and I really enjoyed it. Dewsbury-Hall has been outstanding, he’s really taken my eye I have to say.”-Rodgers added."

The Foxes will be gearing up for the upcoming fixtures at the King Power Stadium, followed by their date with Manchester City at Wembley. While the former is a friendly against the Europa League Champions Villarreal, the latter holds much more vitality for the FA Community Shield.

The team looks to have found their footing, and the next game will be vital for their final preparations before the anticipated one.