Rodgers tries to explain why he keeps playing Amartey

After a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace, Leicester City sits 19th in the Premier League with just five points. Their 15-goal season is tied for eighth in the division. However, their 24 goals allowed is the most in the league. There are many issues, such as inept set-piece defending and awful goalkeeping. However, a lot of blame has also been thrown at Daniel Amartey, and rightfully so.

The choice to use the Ghanaian has caused criticism for LCFC manager Brendan Rodgers, as he continues to put Amartey in the starting XI. Disregarding the hate, Rodgers still backed his man in the post-match press conference after the draw to Palace:

"“I thought Daniel was a bit edgy at the beginning, with his passing,” Rodgers said. “What I know with him is he gives everything. With the centre-halves, you’re always looking at the combination, it’s very important. Any team, no matter how successful they are, it’s always built around the two centre-halves, and the boys were solid today. They helped keep the clean sheet.”"

Amartey received a 6.8 Fotmob match rating against the Eagles, making him the only Foxes defender not to score above a seven. He failed to win any of his aerial duels and struggled with his passing. His most dodgy moment was a backpass in the 63’ that almost lead to conceding. The Ghana international was only successful on one of three long ball attempts.

Amartey’s ill-advised positioning and shaky passing have allowed other teams to score against the King Power side on countless occasions in this and the previous campaign. Against Arsenal, he was subbed off in the 63rd minute as the Gunners scored their third goal of the game. Then, most recently, A.F.C Bournemouth scored two goals just four minutes after the 27-year-old came into the action.

Wout Faes and Jonny Evans will likely be the main paring in the future once Evans is healthy again. But it is still odd Rodgers that hasn’t given Caglar Soyuncu a chance after consecutive underwhelming Amartey appearances. Soyuncu was a key player for the East Midland’s team these past three seasons.

Leicester’s next game will be at home Thursday against Leeds United. Leeds’ nine points are just four more than Leicester’s. Three points here would be massive for the Foxes.