Steve Cooper has challenged Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu to make his mark in the Premier League after his match-turning substitute appearance at Southampton last weekend.
The 20-year-old came on when Leicester were 2-0 down at St Mary’s Stadium and he inspired Leicester by teeing up the first goal for Facundo Buonanotte and was involved in the penalty that led to Jamie Vardy’s equaliser. The Ghana international also won the last-minute corner that saw Jordan Ayew score the winner.
Fatawu, who was one of the stars of last season’s Championship title success and is popular among Leicester fans, has had to be patient this season. He started the first three games but has been a substitute in each of the the most recent five.
Cooper believes as long as Fatawu learns from his Southampton cameo, he can repeat that level of performance every week to have an impact in the top flight.
“Last week was probably the best he has shown in the Premier League so far,” Cooper said ahead of Friday night’s east Midlands derby against Nottingham Forest at King Power Stadium.
“We know he can reach that level of performance but it was great to see it probably for the real first time in the Premier League. We have seen some signs in games before and we definitely see it in training, but he took his opportunity really well and he helped change the momentum of the game. He was a main influence.
“Now it is about him understanding what he did well and why he did well, and trying to repeat it. That is what you want with young players. You want to give them opportunities, but players have also got to take them and perform.”
Cooper added: “He did that and it was great to see because we love working with him. It is a step up to the Premier League and sometimes you need a performance like the weekend to kickstart.
“He is a big part of our culture here. He is such a happy lad and works hard. He is very popular. Hopefully he can continue to progress.”
(Michael Regan/Getty Images)
