Brendan Rodgers
Patson Daka and Boubakary Soumare’s knowledge of European football could help their pursuit of game-time at Leicester City this season. City spent £40m on the two 22-year-olds this summer but neither have started a competitive match this season. In the Premier League, midfielder Soumare has had two substitute outings, while striker Daka has had one. Rodgers has previously said their first seasons at City may be ones of adjustment to a new league, but when it comes to European football, the pair have more experience than many of their new team-mates. Soumare played 14 games in the Champions League and Europa League for Lille, while Daka had 26 outings across the two Uefa competitions while with RB Salzburg. So is it a more suitable competition for them to make their full debut?
Brendan Rodgers said: “The (opposition) teams are at a really high level, but certainly his (Daka’s) experience, and Bouba’s as well, they’ve played European games so they understand the competition. Those are players I absolutely feel I can play in this competition, like in the Premier League. I think for Patson, as time goes for him, you’ll see him become a better player once he’s adjusted domestically and to how we work. He’s settled in very well. What you see with him, even though he hasn’t featured so much in the time he’s been here, if you look at players once the game has finished, he’s one of the first ones on there, supporting his team-mates and being around them. He’s a fantastic man and I’ve no doubt the supporters will enjoy watching his enthusiasm and eye for goal here.”
Last season, Rodgers made an average of between five and six changes for Europa League group-stage matches, though he only made two for the opener. Again, depth will be important over the next few months, with little let-up.
Brendan Rodgers said: “Whichever team we play, I’ll always feel confident that we can win the game and progress. It’s exactly the same this season. We’ve brought in some players to help us with that depth and quality and hopefully we’ll see that between now and Christmas. It’s such an important period because of the close proximity of games, so you’re going to need your players. Whichever team I put out, I hope to get a positive result.”
