Liverpool 3-1 Leicester: 3 Foxes positives and negatives

The Academy Breakout Starlet

Kasey McAteer. What a start to his breakout season the wing-back turned goalscoring right-winger has had. Supporters knew the talent was good, but I do not think it was expected to be McAteer who was the breakout star of the campaign: he certainly proved himself swiftly.

The hardest part of football is also its most crucial goal: a goal. Something the King Power side lacked under Brendan Rodgers was that gilt-edge. An instinct to get the points where it matters most, and to make the most of every opportunity. Leicester only had one shot on target the whole match, and only four in total. Yet it was that shot which led to our shocking early lead.

Kasey McAteer has forced himself into Maresca’s plans with a litany of high quality attacking plays and intriguing displays of technical utility and versatile stylistic options. In short, the English youngster can play in multiple styles during a match: from a more defensive winger to a creative maestro upfront.

This startling rise can only mean one thing: we are going to see a lot more of the winger over the next couple of seasons, and illustrates the strength of the academy’s very best talents. Just wait until Sammy Braybrooke, Will Alves, and Joe Wormleighton make their way into the Italian’s limelight. The future is bright.