Leicester City manager Steve Cooper has hinted that Abdul Fatawu Issahaku could be used as an attacking right-back in future matches after the Ghanaian’s influential performance in their remarkable comeback against Southampton.
Fatawu was brought on for Victor Kristiansen with Leicester trailing 2-0 at St. Mary’s Stadium. The 20-year-old took on a high full-back role, contributing to all three of Leicester’s goals in the second half.
From his advanced position, the Black Stars attacker set up the first goal, played a key role in forcing the second, and won the corner that led to the third.
Though he hasn’t started a Premier League match since August, Cooper acknowledged that Fatawu’s defensive work rate, combined with his attacking threat, makes him a strong option in this role.
“He’s a really exciting young player, he did brilliantly for the club last year, and he’s quickly becoming an exciting Premier League player as well. We’re just in that little transition with him, developing his game to add more variety,” Cooper said.
The manager also praised Fatawu’s willingness to track back: “You saw the exciting bits of Abdul’s play today, but he’s happy to run back just as quickly, which is not always a trait for a player of his profile.”
