Leicester City won their opening day fixture 2-1 against Coventry City on their return to the Championship as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall bagged a brace to prove the difference.
The Foxes’ academy graduate is tipped for a big season in the second tier should Enzo Maresca’s men keep hold of him, and yesterday’s performance was the perfect starting point.
Leicester found themselves a goal down shortly after the second half began due to Kyle McFadzean’s well-planted header and it appeared as though the East Midlands outfit were heading for a shock defeat in their season opener.
Dewsbury-Hall had other ideas, however, as two fine strikes from the 24-year-old saw the Foxes draw level 13 minutes from time before snatching a late winner in the M69 derby to secure three points on the board.
The midfielder’s efforts against the Sky Blues mean that after just one game this season he has already equalled his tally in front of goal from the previous campaign.
After the encounter, boss Maresca shared his delight as Dewsbury-Hall delivered exactly what was asked of him.
“The only thing I asked from him since day one is to arrive in the box,” said the Leicester manager.
“Because in terms of our idea, our attacking midfielders need to arrive in the box. It is the only way to score. I said to him that I was watching, checking all his numbers in terms of assists and goals and he can do much better.
“Today he starts with two goals. He did try to offer some assists, he arrived in the box a few times in the first half and did very well.
“I am happy for him.”
It is no surprise that there has been reported interest in the Englishman, labelled a ‘fantastic talent’ by former manager Brendan Rodgers, from Premier League outfits this summer.
Top flight newcomers Luton Town fancied a reunion with their former loan star and were linked with him earlier in the transfer window.
Europa League bound Liverpool have also been credited with monitoring Dewsbury-Hall’s situation at the King Power and could try and strike a deal late on.
The impact of Dewsbury-Hall
A player clearly capable of playing Premier League football, similarly to a number of the Foxes’ squad, yesterday’s match-winner is set to be a crucial cog in the Leicester machine as they target an instant return to the top flight.
Maresca must do all he can to ensure the midfielder remains in Leicester this summer. He has the potential to become a hero at the club if he maintains this level of performance throughout the season.
Now fully expected to be a regular in the starting XI, this could be a campaign to remember for Dewsbury-Hall.