Brendan Rodgers has given reasons why it is difficult for French midfielder Nampalys Mendy to displace Wilfred Ndidi in Leicester’s midfield.
Mendy of Senegalese descent joined Leiceister from Nice in 2016 on a four-year deal worth £13 million, a club record at the time.
In his first season, Mendy featured in 31 Premier League games for Claudio Ranieri’s men – with 23 of them as a starter.
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However, the arrival Ndidi from Genk meant the 28-year-old was confined to the bench. In the 2019-20 campaign, he featured in just seven English games.
However, Mendy has been a perfect replacement for the injured Ndidi who is out of the team due to an abductor injury.
Speaking on his the contributions of the former France youth international, Rodgers feels the midfielder is fast grasping his opportunity.
“He is performing to the level the club wanted when they brought him in,” Rodgers told the club website.
“He’s a defensive midfield player, tactically very good, understands the role, and does a lot of dirty work for the team.
“Of course, before he’s played with Wilf [Ndidi], who’s something similar beside him and it’s probably where both those players need someone creative beside them.
“I think because of Wilf’s form, certainly since I’ve been here, he’s been so consistent, Wilf, and it’s been difficult for Papy to play but it really shows you the mark of the guy – how well he has trained, how concentrated he has been. He never lost his focus and was always there if an opportunity came to give his very best.
“Now, what you’re seeing is a player that is getting a consistent run of games, and he’s really showing the quality player he is. I have been delighted with Papy. He gives the team stability with his experience and understanding of football and how we work. He has been crucial to how we play.”
4 Comments
CSN the deceitfulness of your headings bears no comparison on the story in most cases.
I mean come on what I see in the Story, Rodgers is basically in no uncertain terms saying that it may be hard for Wilfred Ndidi to regain his place in the team when he is fit (fingers crossed he will pick up from where he left off)
YOUR HEADING SHOULD STATE “WHY IT WAS DIFFICULT FOR PAPY MENDY TO DISPLACE WILFRED NDIDI IN THE PAST”. Not the nonsense heading you gave this story. MTCHEW!!!
@Ugoo Ugwunze, I am the one click like to your comment now, I tired ooo, Nwanne, I read the story finish and I became confused here, instead of displaced WILF NDIDI in the Past. Ndi CSN Kezi way Unu here, Mulunu Anya Ka Azundu Biko.
WILF NDIDI WILL SURELY TAKE BACK WHAT BELONGS TO HIM WHENEVER HE IS BACK TO HIS FIT, ABI CSN NO KNOW ?
Well Ndidi can only do that with a performance better than Mendy’s on his return from injury.
Leicester city has won games in Ndidi absence with Mendy playing a major role.In football unless you are Messi or C.Ronaldo to guarantee regular football otherwise you have to show you are better to be in the first team and that’s what Ndidi has to do.Rodgers may play both in the holding midfield or move Ndidi to the central defence this are various options.
I hope our Ndidi keeps his place,though it looks certain but this is football expect anything and you can’t afford to be too complacent.
@Lucas Nature Nwanne I tire oo.. it is too much and, it is not the first time.
@Greenturf true talk but I have faith in Onyinye “the Destroyer” Ndidi age is also on his side at 23yrs. Papy is already 29 almost 30yrs