Fatawu Issahaku impresses Leicester coach in Championship victory

Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca has lauded the outstanding performance of Ghana winger Fatawu Issahaku in their recent Championship clash against Sunderland.

The Foxes secured a crucial 1-0 victory at the Stadium of Light, with Jamie Vardy’s goal ending a three-game winless streak for Leicester.

Issahaku, playing for 86 minutes in the contest, showcased his prowess on the ball, contributing significantly both offensively and defensively.

Maresca commended the winger’s first-half performance, highlighting his ball-handling skills and defensive contributions.

“[In the] first half he [Issahaku] was very good on the ball, offensively,” Maresca said after the game.

During his time on the pitch, Issahaku completed an impressive 15 out of 18 pass attempts, successfully executed both dribble attempts, and won six out of nine ground duels.

The manager’s positive assessment is likely to enhance Issahaku’s prospects of securing a permanent deal with Leicester City as he continues to play on loan from Sporting Lisbon.

Despite the win, Maresca acknowledged that it was not their best performance, especially in the second half.

• Leicester City marks Issahaku’s heroics with jubilant celebration to Fuse ODG’s ‘Antenna’
• Fatawu Issahaku scores stunning goal and picks up MOTM in FA Cup debut

“After the three defeats in a row, it was important to win the game tonight,” Maresca said. “Probably tonight’s game has been the worst. Especially second half, we didn’t play well. Or at least we didn’t play in the way we played in the three games we lost.

“But at the end, football is about taking chances. We created many chances in the three defeats that we didn’t score. Tonight, again, we started the first half with many clear chances that we didn’t score. But fortunately we scored through Jamie.

Leicester, currently leading the Championship, has 10 games left to secure promotion to the English Premier League after facing relegation at the end of last season.

Leicester City’s next challenge will be an away fixture against Hull City on Saturday, March 9, 2024. The Foxes aim to maintain their lead and secure promotion as they strive to return to the English Premier League.