Patson Daka scored all four goals in Leicester City’s 4-3 first-leg victory over Spartak Moscow Brendan Rodgers has talked up the budding partnership between Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho and his Zambian strike partner Daka. The Leicester City manager praised the team’s chemistry in setting up the goals during their pulsating first-leg victory over Spartak Moscow.
The Foxes came from two goals down to secure a 4-3 win away at their Russian opponents a fortnight ago, with Daka’s four-goal haul grabbing the headlines.
Rodgers pointed out that Daka’s goals were a result of good link-up play between the midfielders and Iheanacho’s deep runs, which occupied the defenders, to provide the space for the young Zambian.
Speaking to the international media via video call, Rodgers said: “When you have a special individual performance like that, of course, it makes the opponent that little bit more aware and attentive if you’re on the field. It’s always about the team.
“If you look at Patson’s goals, they come from some great moments of play; midfielders connecting the game well, Kels making a run which meant the defenders dropped deeper which allowed Patson on his side to make his run and stay onside.”
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The Leicester manager also praised Daka’s finishing and all-around contribution to the game.
“It’s that little bit of everything in the team that allows the player to go and get the opportunities, but then you have to have that real quality to finish them. That’s what Patson did, for all of his chances, he took them ever so well and he’s in the right areas. You can see he’s a natural goalscorer.
“He’s shown that in the short time he’s had with us. If he starts and plays the game, of course, we’d love him to get another four goals, but if he contributes as he did without the ball and with the ball, then I’ll be happy,” Rodgers concluded.
Rodgers also admitted that he’s looking forward to the return of Nigerian international, Wilfred Ndidi. The midfielder has been out of action since September 25th, but might be available for selection on Thursday as Leicester welcome Victor Moses’ Spartak Moscow to the King Power Stadium.
“Having your best players, of course, always makes it easier for you. Where Wilf is concerned, in particular in set pieces, he offers us great strength, having a midfield player that can join the defenders. It gives you greater height and the ability to defend.
“Whether he’s going to be available or not for Thursday, we’ll see, but certainly he should be ready by the weekend. He’s trained really well. We just have to be careful and mindful of the injury he’s coming back from.
“We need to cover the space better. Of course, if you have someone like Wilf in there who does that so well, that’s a benefit to the team. It’s going to be great to have him back available, but every player knows their responsibility in the team. If you’re not running, unfortunately, you won’t be playing,” Rodgers said.
