Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers hailed homegrown heroes Luke Thomas and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall after the duo produced outstanding performances in the 1-0 win over Liverpool.
Brendan Rodgers said: “He’s been incredible. He’s 20 years old and he’s someone who has hasn’t played so many first-team games. The FA Cup final was only his first game in front of supporters. Nothing fazes him. He’s done really well against Mahrez, and wasn’t beaten so often tonight. He’s a really good defender, tough and never gives up.”
On Dewsbury-Hall,
Brendan Rodgers said: “You see him, his energy tonight, it was remarkable. You need legs in there, to play in the diamond, and him and Hamza did that, they had to put in so much work. But Kiernan kept going right to the very end. He’s really starting to establish himself as an important player. I’m delighted for him, he’s a kid who has come through the academy, and he’s wanted to play for Leicester. It means everything to him.”
City had to put their bodies on the line in the final 10 minutes to see out the game, but came away with three points that will live long in the memory, especially given it came with eight first-team players out, and just two days after facing Manchester City. Liverpool had a near fully-fit squad, while they had a full week to prepare.
Brendan Rodgers said: “In the context of the game, the players put in a heroic performance. If you think of the recovery time, to play against the most physical team in the league, who have athleticism and power, the players were amazing. We played a diamond for the first hour, knowing you can’t play that for the whole game, we then went 4-3-3 and defended for our lives at times, but we had great moments and none more so the goal.”
