Leicester Metropolis supervisor Steve Cooper mentioned he would take into account taking part in Abdul Fatawu as a right-back after his game-changing substitute look towards Southampton.

The Saints went into half-time with a two-goal lead, assured of securing their first Premier League victory of the season. Nonetheless, Abdul Fatawu’s introduction within the 59th minute turned the tables. The 20-year-old assisted Facundo Buonanotte for the primary purpose and performed an enormous half within the equaliser. Usually a proper winger, Cooper deployed him as an attacking proper again to keep up some defensive stability in case of turnovers. 

Within the post-match press convention, Cooper applauded Fatawu, later named the person of the match by Leicester followers. 

“He’s a extremely thrilling younger participant. He did brilliantly for the membership final 12 months. And he’s going to shortly change into an thrilling Premier League participant as nicely.

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“We’re simply in that little transition with him understanding how one can develop his sport, taking part in with a bit extra selection. When he comes on and performs like he did right this moment and takes alternatives, he’s exhibiting the participant that he will likely be within the Premier League. Kudos to him.”

When requested whether or not he would take into account taking part in Fatawu with no consideration again sooner or later, Cooper replied: “Undoubtedly, sure. You noticed the actually thrilling bits of Abdul’s play right this moment, however honest play to him; he’s pleased to run again simply as fast as nicely, which isn’t at all times a trait of a participant of his profile.”

Steve Cooper should embody Abdul Fatawu in his beginning lineup

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Though Fatawu is unbelievable defensively, Cooper ought to goal to suit him within the workforce in his most well-liked right-wing function. Fatawu’s introduction as a right-back was an excellent gamble by Cooper, who was taking a much-needed danger on condition that Leicester have been trailing by two targets. Whereas  Cooper didn’t imply that he would begin Fatawu as a right-back, he could also be indicating that he’ll play him in that place ought to the Foxes be trailing. That shouldn’t occur, because it’s clear that the winger can’t be left on the bench, given his impression. Fatawu should begin the following sport, even when it signifies that Cooper has to tweak his ways.