Stand-in centre-back Hamza gives Rodgers a shot of confidence

Published date19 January 2022
Choudhury was the surprise pick for Leicester's FA Cup win over Watford as Rodgers entrusted him with a place at centre-back

The academy product from Loughborough did a fine job, and proved he can play there again.

It also gives a new lease of life to his City career. In each of the past two windows he has been close to an exit, and when he nearly moved to Newcastle on loan last January, City were forced to delve into the market to try to find a replacement, lining up Nathaniel Chalobah until Choudhury's move fell through.

It would not have been a surprise if Choudhury was thinking of his future again. Leading up to January last season, he had made six starts and four substitute appearances. This season, it was half that, three starts and two appearances off the bench.

But knowing he may get more chances to play now he has proven himself in a new position may change his feelings towards his future at the club.

Because even with Caglar Soyuncu fighting to be fit this weekend, Choudhury could still be an option.

The principal factor behind Choudhury's selection against Watford was his pace, Rodgers wanting a player who could use their speed to be aggressive in their pressing on forwards and in tracking back.

That pace could see Choudhury selected again. If Soyuncu is fit to play against Burnley, he will start, but then Rodgers has a choice between Choudhury's speed or Jannik Vestergaard's defensive nous.

Picking Choudhury ahead of a recognised centre-back would feel like an admission that Vestergaard was the wrong signing for City.

It's not that he does not have good attributes - when City sit deep, he defends the box well - but rather he does not have the ones to fit in to Rodgers' style.

As City search for a centreback to come in on loan, Rodgers seems to be resting a little easier knowing he has Choudhury to call on.

"It's great confidence for him and me," said Rodgers. "He's there if we ever need him to. He's...

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