Patson Daka: Leicester’s specialist away day striker
Foxes of Leicester appraise the start of Patson Daka’s varied yet encouraging Leicester City career as he becomes the ‘away day striker’.
Daka’s rise at Leicester is effectively in motion. I would describe the ascension as steady but occasionally eye-catching. The Zambia National Team representative is steadily and quietly replacing Jamie Vardy as the new first choice centreforward in Brendan Rodgers’ preferred LCFC XI.
Even when the former England international gets the nod in an important match, against Nottingham Forest for example, his minutes are managed. This means you’re only gonna see Vardy for 60 of the 90, approximately. Or as a substitute. It is sad to see a legendary footballer phased out. Whereas the joy the Foxes No.9 spread – and anger he stirred in opposition fans – is irreplaceable and unforgettable.
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So is Daka the main man? Well, an absorbing article from Leicestershire Live a few days ago suggests that the goalscorer is one of the best in the Premier League at one aspect of play: being a defensive forward.
This is an interesting choice of phrase, and doesn’t take anything away from Daka’s ability and composure in front of goal, yet applies an ‘efficient pressing label’ to his style. Nevertheless, LCFC Live assert that he doesn’t actually need to be on a goalscoring run to be chosen anymore.
In fact, the ex-Red Bull Salzburg man has stated the previous half a dozen away matches for the east Midlands outfit. In that time he provided four goal involvements and is showing Premier League class. When at home, Daka has only began once. One school of thought is that energy of a younger man is requisite when on the travels. Another is a changing of the guard, slowly.
Leicester City’s Papy Mendy ready to go at World Cup whilst James Maddison sits out
Senegalese midfielder Mendy starts for his country in the illustrious tournament on Monday afternoon versus the Netherlands. The Dutch are favourites to beat Senegal – but you never know what’s going to happen at these high pressured tournaments.
Meanwhile, England thrashed Iran thanks to six well-taken goals in Qatar. However, the King Power club’s star player, James Maddison, was sadly robbed of a chance to feature and run the show.
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And it wasn’t Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate denying Maddison’s well-earned opportunity for no reason this time, rather it was a cruel knee injury sustained versus West Ham while playing for the Foxes. ‘Madders’ was withdrawn soon after scoring at London Stadium, although he is believed to be nearing fitness.