Leicester City fans left leaving a football match happy for once as Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men secured a draw against Brighton.
Goals from Stephy Mavididi and Caleb Okoli saw Leicester draw 2-2 against Brighton, ending a run of eight matches without a single point or goal.
Mavididi stole some of the headlines with his performance, but Moroccan technician Bilal El Khannouss was impressive all afternoon, assisting Okoli with his header.
The feeling after their draw at the AMEX was therefore one of delight for once, as opposed to anguish, despite the result leaving them 14 points from safety.
There were plenty of positives to take from the performance, too, and one of those was highlighted by Ruud van Nistelrooy in his post-match comments.
Ruud van Nistelrooy praises Caleb Okoli after Brighton draw
As Van Nistelrooy changed formation back to a four-man defence, Okoli started alongside Conor Coady since Wout Faes suffered a knock before the game.
Okoli hasn’t had the greatest time since joining the club last summer, seeing his game time restricted while being thrown in and out of the starting lineup.
Further, during the January transfer window, Parma wanted to sign Okoli, sparking speculation over his future at the King Power Stadium.
It was even claimed that Okoli was eager to return to Italy, though he remained at Leicester, and now Van Nistelrooy has praised the Nigerian post-match, making fans known about his commitment.
“He was excellent. He showed he wants to play for this club, he wants to fight for this club, like Kasey McAteer,” Van Nistelrooy said.
“Those are the players with these kinds of performances that you’re building on, shaping the future. That is the most important to help the players develop. They’re young, they’re talented, they’re gifted. Whatever happens this season, there’s a new season, and that’s the focus for now.”
Okoli stats vs Brighton
It remains to be seen whether the 23-year-old leaves Leicester in the summer transfer window, especially given they’re dropping into the Championship.
But on an afternoon where the Foxes secured a point for the first time in eight matches, Okoli was a rock at the heart of defence and scored a bullet header.
Caleb Okoli’s stats vs Brighton
- 90 minutes played
- 6 clearances
- 2 blocked shots
- 3 aerial duels won
- 43/52 (83%)
- 3 accurate long balls
It was as complete performance as you’re going to see from any defender in the Premier League, with Okoli sending a clear message to Van Nistelrooy that he belongs in the team.