Former Leicester City forward Gary Lineker, now a pundit, has compared Foxes star Abdul Fatawu to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, arguably one of the best right-wingers in the world.
Fatawu was man of the match in Leicester’s dramatic win over Southampton at the St. Mary’s Stadium last Saturday. Having started on the bench, the 20-year-old was introduced in the 59th minute, tasked with making an impact with the Foxes trailing 2-0. The winger did exactly that and played a part in each of Leicester’s three goals.
The Ghana international assisted the first, was heavily involved in the build-up to the second goal, and won the corner, which led to Jordan Ayew’s dramatic 98th-minute winner. Fatawu’s directness changed the tides for the Foxes, and he was deservedly named Man of the Match by the Leicester fans.
The calls for Fatawu to start have intensified, and Steve Cooper must find a way to fit him into his team. The youngster has been left on the bench so far due to his inability to invert inside when in possession. However, every manager has to find a way to fit in their best players, and Cooper must do so soon.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer shared Lineker’s displeasure of Fatawu not being included in the starting lineup.
“In the afternoon, when the teams were announced, you (Lineker) were like: ‘Why’s he not playing Fatawu? He’s a great player. He’s one of our best players.’ Then he came on and made a huge difference; you were like:’ I told you so. He should have been playing from the start. See how great he is.”
Gary Lineker compares Abdul Fatawu to Bukayo Saka
Lineker proceeded to call Fatawu a “special” player and compared him to Arsenal star Saka.
“I’ve watched him a lot. I watched him last season when he was actually on loan; I mean, the kid’s really special.
“He’ll beat people, he’s quick, he’ll take people on, he’ll cut inside and bend one in the top corner, he’ll go down the outside and cross the ball. He’s a little like Saka in that way. I’m not going to say he’s as good as Saka – not yet – but he’s only 19. He’s got an incredible work ethic, got a lovely personality. He’s a real character and everyone at Leicester knows that.”
Fatawu has a bright future and is a bargain buy for just £14 million. Expect to see him in the playing eleven more often from now on.