Foxes of Leicester
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How young Leicester star Kasey McAteer became vital for Enzo Maresca

By Joey LeMaster

NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 15: Kasey McAteer of Leicester City looks on during the Pre-Season friendly game between Northampton Town and Leicester City at Sixfields on July 15, 2023 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)
NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JULY 15: Kasey McAteer of Leicester City looks on during the Pre-Season friendly game between Northampton Town and Leicester City at Sixfields on July 15, 2023 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images) /
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The game of Football is beautiful for a plethora of reasons. One of my favorite reasons I love the sport is because someone can become an attraction after one game. The Leicester City faithful got to witness that moment this past weekend against Rotherham. 21-year-old Kasey McAteer gave the team a performance to remember. On August 26th, 2023, a star was born for the Foxes.

McAteer made a couple appearances for the East Midlands team in the past. However, he was never given enough time to make a positive impact in the game. Majority of his appearances came within the Youth Academy or last season when he went out on loan to AFC Wimbledon. All of that changed against Rotherham. After scoring both of the team’s goals, he cemented himself as a vital player for Enzo Maresca and his future plans.

When asked about McAteer’s performance, Maresca gave two quotes that made it apparent that we will be seeing much more of the 21-year-old this season. Firstly, Maresca said:

"“I was very happy with him, for the two goals but also the way he works off the ball. He helps a lot”. If that isn’t enough to see his excitement, Maresca followed up that quote by saying, “I really like him, not just because he scored. I like the way he works and he sacrifices. He helps a lot without the ball. He is an important player”"

The first of McAteer’s two goals required extreme precision. Kelechi Iheanacho sent in a high cross that was heading towards the right post. The 5’9” attacking midfielder showed off his impressive vertical as he jumped over his defender; high into the air, and headed the ball into the back of the net. This would give Leicester a 1-0 advantage.

Rotherham would strike back in the 53’ to tie the game at one a piece. However, in the 84’, Callum Doyle would make a sensational pass to McAteer inside the box. He would then take a touch inside before he nailed the shot top left bins using his left foot. The Englishman would knee slide towards the Leicester fans as he was quickly embraced by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

Next. Predicted Leicester XI ahead of Tranmere game. dark

It was a performance to remember for McAteer as it will likely cement himself as a player consistently selected for appearances this season. It is nice to see the Leicester City youth academy finally starting to get some recognition. What a star making performance that game truly was.