Leicester City clinched their first three points before the international break and will look to repeat the trick against Southampton this weekend.
Facundo Buonanotte’s first-half strike was enough to secure three points for Leicester City against Bournemouth.
While that win somewhat eased the pressure off Steve Cooper, the Foxes had Mads Hermansen to thank for some excellent stops as he preserved his clean sheet.
Leicester now travel to Southampton in the Premier League this weekend in what has been dubbed an early six-pointer at the bottom, and one star is crucial in their survival bid.
Leicester City star Abdul Fatawu has made most tackles in the Premier League
Abdul Fatawu was captured permanently from Sporting Lisbon this summer after starring for the Foxes in the Championship last term.
He developed a devastating partnership with left-winger Stephy Mavididi as the 20-year-old plundered six goals and supplied 13 assists in the second tier.
The ‘exciting’ youngster since hasn’t played as much as he would have liked in the top flight, with Cooper choosing to leave Fatawu out of the side for tactical reasons.
Fatawu should make his fourth Premier League start of the season against Southampton, though, as he can exploit a key weakness in their left-back role.
However, that isn’t the only reason why the Ghanian deserves a starting role, as his immense defensive work can help Cooper at both ends of the pitch.
As pointed out by journalist Spencer Mossman, Fatawu has completed the most tackles of any player in the top flight and the most dribble take-ons per 90.
That suggests the fleet-footed winger isn’t just a threat going forward but his ability to track back and protect his full-back is second to none.
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Fatawu’s work rate deserves a starting spot
Leicester may be outclassed in terms of quality, with most teams boasting better players than Cooper’s men, but hard work is non negotiable.
Since arriving in England last year, Fatawu has shown why he’s a dependable asset down the right flank and deserves more minutes than the likes of Jordan Ayew.
The 2004-born star provides an incredible work ethic and is a dream for any full-back to play with, as they always know he’ll trackback.
In Leicester’s bid for survival, having players willing to put in the hard yards off the ball is just as important as their quality in possession.
Luckily, Fatawu possesses both and most would be happy to see him in the starting XI against Southampton this weekend.