Brendan Rodgers names the goalkeeper who’ll start vs Chelsea
After four long years, Danny Ward finally got his first Leicester City Premier League debut. Finally. That is a long time, but it was not for long.
The Welsh international goalkeeper is one of those unfortunate players stuck behind a legend or a world class talent. Behind the ‘Great Dane’ Kasper Schmeichel, the Foxes captain and No. 1. That is rough for our other first team ‘keeper.
‘Wardy’ has been called upon only for cup games, for runs of games where we expect to dominate and will likely not be under the cosh from blistering attacks. In essence, he was trusted to steer us unless a big team was involved.
Schmeichel has been available for selection for what seems like an eternity and has found 149 consecutive league appearances. Which is one away from a milestone; this feels almost intentional from Brendan Rodgers.
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Leicester City’s first choice
Regardless of the Danish goalkeeper’s consecutive run of games, it was intended to end sooner. The gaffer has commented on his selection of Ward and what the future might hold.
"“I had spoken to Kasper that I would play him in three of those and play Wardy in two… Wardy was supposed to play today and against Norwich”~ Brendan Rodgers via LeicestershireLive"
The aim was to give the Welsh international a runout of two matches for the King Power club. Unfortunately this was not possible due to a mild injury to the ‘keeper. Instead, Ward has played one match and Schmeichel is expected to play the remainder.
The future might still be here for Danny Ward. The Northern Irish head coach also commented on the quality of the ‘goalie’ and why he has finally started to select the player. I would also suggest Ward is entering his prime.
"“Danny Ward, you see his presence and some of the saves he makes… This is his first Premier League game… it’s not healthy… you could see his quality when he came in. We have a great keeper there who is then challenging Kasper… I rate him (Ward) highly”"
It was never a good thing for the Welsh player to not have featured once in the league for four years. It was not good for a player of his quality and improved distribution. Ward has remained patient, has shown his quality, and could be seen much more next season.
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However, in the immediate future, Leicester will continue to play the ‘Great Dane’. This should only change if the player continues his coyness over a potential move. After all, it is strange to see a legend and captain not yet concretely say he wants a new deal or not. We shall see soon though.