According to the Leicester Mercury, Brendan Rodgers has explained why Kelechi Iheanacho is yet to start a game for Leicester this season.
Despite his excellent form towards the conclusion of last season, which saw him finish as the club's leading scorer, Rodgers has kept Iheanacho out of the starting lineup so far this season.
This term, he's having an influence as well. He scored a penalty he won in the Community Shield, assisted on the goal against Norwich, and made City considerably more dangerous in their hunt for an equalizer against Manchester City at the weekend in his five appearances off the bench.
After Harvey Barnes' season-ending knee injury, Rodgers switched to a 3-4-1-2 formation, which included the 24-year-old.
City has resorted to a 4-2-3-1 style this season, so if Rodgers wants to play Iheanacho while keeping the formation, one of Jamie Vardy or James Maddison would likely have to be left out.
When asked if leaving Iheanacho out of the starting lineup was getting more difficult, Rodgers replied, "I'm simply extremely satisfied with the contribution." I see him every day, so I'm familiar with his strengths and weaknesses.
“What he's doing is having an effect, and I believe that's where it all began for him here, when I started putting him into games and he was performing well. It's great to know that others believe in him and expect him to contribute.
“There will be ample possibilities for him to start games during the season. It's all about the team; I'm not as concerned with the person as I am with the team. I need to choose a squad that I believe will win, and if I need to change a game, I have a bench to do so, which we do.
“I'm constantly rooting for individual players, but the team always comes first. It's impossible to play with six offensive players.
“Whether he comes into the game or begins, he is a very crucial player for us.”
