Brendan Rodgers’ comments over Youri Tielemans have caused confusion as the season moves into its twilight.
Due to the Foxes’ hectic schedule, having been involved in the UEFA Europa League this season, the Foxes’ boss has said that he would have ‘wanted’ to rest Youri Tielemans more than he has so far this campaign.
This makes sense considering that the Belgian is Leicester’s most used player this campaign having made 37 appearances in all competitions.
As a matter of fact, the £45m-rated midfielder has played 400 more minutes than anyone else in the Leicester City squad.
In that time, he has been in sparkling form, hitting seven goals and providing four assists in all competitions this season.
Due to Tielemans’ commitment so far this season, Rodgers has even gone as far as to say that he would ‘love to take him out’ of the starting XI, but with injuries to Dennis Praet, James Maddison and Ayoze Perez, that has simply not been possible.
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The decision has almost been taken out of the Foxes’ boss’ hands but these recent comments are particularly jarring though when looking at Rodgers’ opinion of the 23-year-old just a little under four months ago.
Following a win against Leeds United against Elland Road, the Northern-Irishman said that Tielemans was better when in ‘rhythm’ and did not want to give him a rest.
Of course, Rodgers is entitled to change his mind on his squad as they got to grips with the UEFA Europa League and injuries started to hit but it’s a confusing change in opinion.
With the number of players missing, it almost became a necessity to keep playing Tielemans – as per Rodgers’ recent comments concerning a rest.
It now looks hugely unlikely that the former AS Monaco will finally be afforded time to rotate having once again been included from the off in Wednesday’s clash against Burnley at Turf Moor.
It will be interesting to see as the Foxes’ injury crisis abates later on in the season whether Tielemans is afforded a well-earned rest or whether Rodgers allows him to keep his “rhythm” and play through the fatigue.
AND in other news, take a look at our Leicester City predicted XI to take on Burnley…