Gillingham 0-1 Leicester: FA Cup player ratings
By Ethan Henson
Kasey Mcateer – 6
The other feature of this fixture with little experience was 21-year old Kasey Mcateer on the left-hand side, making only his fourth appearance for the club whose academy he graduated from. Having spent time on loan at Forest Green Rovers in their promotion from League Two least season, the EFL’s basement side were exactly the level of opponent the youngster could expect to show what he could do against.
The game’s only goal was one of Mcateer’s major involvements, as his shot from a tight angle was parried towards Jamie Vardy who put it on a plate for Iheanacho. Aside from that, the wideman was involved in parts, showing intent to impress and run beyond opposition wingers and fullbacks.
Again, the rawness of an eager youngster was on display, with the all-important end product lacking at important moments. A day to remember, though for Mcateer, who will look at this victory and performance as a springboard to propel him closer to the first team.
Nampalys Mendy – 6
Being one of very few City players who weren’t adversely affected by the World Cup, Nampalys Mendy is in a good place to cement a more regular slot in the Foxes first team this new year. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, James Maddison and Boubakary Soumare were all absent, with a true scale for their return unclear at this point.
Encouraging for the Senegalese was his inclusion ahead of former Foxes ever-present Wilfred Ndidi, a privilege he will have wanted to grab with both hands. Once on the pitch, Mendy was solid if unspectacular, his role in a game where Leicester City can expect to have the ball being less reliant on blocking passing lanes and making interceptions.
Gillingham were diligent out of possession and good at preventing the ball being played between the lines, but as a link player in this system, Mendy did well to continue to progress the ball to his colleagues. Ndidi could be favoured for the Newcastle fixture, but at this point it’s unclear who of the two, if not both, might be preferred at the City ground next week.