Steve Cooper got his first competitive win as Leicester City manager as his side beat League Two Tranmere Rovers 4-0 in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
It will have been a pleasing night for Steve Cooper, as he made seven changes to the side that started Leicester City‘s first two Premier League games of the season.
Summer signings Caleb Okoli, Oliver Skipp and Jordan Ayew all made their first starts for the club, with the latter scoring his first goal for his new side as he deputised for the rested Jamie Vardy at centre-forward.
The Ghanaian would also get an assist for Wilfred Ndidi’s goal, with the other two goals consisting of a Stephy Mavididi penalty and Harry Winks strike.
Ricardo Pereira ‘excellent’ as Steve Cooper starts right-back in Tranmere win
One player brought into the side for Tranmere was right-back Ricardo Pereira who has surprisingly been snubbed by Cooper so far this season.
Given Pereira’s key role under Enzo Maresca last season and the fact he is a Portugal international, the 30-year-old was expected to again be an important player under Cooper.
However, in the draw against Tottenham Hotspur and defeat to Fulham in the Premier League, Cooper has preferred James Justin in Pereira’s usual right-back role with Victor Kristiansen playing at left-back.
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Pereira had the opportunity to stake his claim for a starting role in the Premier League against Tranmere and it was one he well and truly seized with an impressive display.
Leicestershire Live were full of praise for Pereira’s display as they rated the full-back’s performance a seven out of ten, commenting: “It was a treat to see Ricardo playing as an attacking full-back again, and he seemed to relish it.
“His passing around the box was excellent and his combination with McAteer was strong, while his surge into the box won the penalty for the second goal.”
The statistics behind Pereira’s impressive Leicester City performance vs Tranmere
Whilst it should not be forgotten that Leicester were facing fourth tier opposition, it was still a strong performance from the Foxes.
Four goals and a clean sheet for a rotated side will build confidence and some of those who impressed could now see themselves start against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.
Pereira was one such player, with the statistics telling the story behind a strong showing.
According to Sofascore, Pereira had 103 touches and made six key passes whilst maintaining a pass success rate of 90%.
The flying full-back also completed both of his dribbles as well as winning the penalty and won a remarkable right of his nine duels.
It is now difficult to see how Cooper can ignore Pereira for Saturday and he should be in the starting XI that welcomes Villa to the King Power.