“Hamza is not a player we want to lose, and he’s an important player for us, but all people want to play. We were going to grant him that opportunity.
“I said to Hamza “you may not get out” [to play for Newcastle] and if you don’t, you’re playing on Wednesday night. “That show’s how important he was to us.“
This is what Brendan Rodgers had to say after handing Hamza Choudhury a surprise start at Fulham less than 48 hours after his proposed loan move to St James’ Park collapses.
According to reports, Steve Bruce was set to sign the 23-year-old defensive midfielder had Leicester found a deadline day replacement, however that didn’t happen and he stayed put.
Thankfully, he did us a favour in one way or another, with his side coming away from Fulham 2-0 winners on Wednesday night.
Here’s what I found from Leicester fans on Twitter reacting to his rare EPL start and Rodgers’ decision to keep him around:
Thought Perez & Choudhury had very good games tonight #LCFC
Job done. I thought we would need Barnes, Maddison and Tielemans at it tonight to win but it was Iheanacho, Perez and Choudhury who shone.
You know what .. I love watching Choudhury play #passion #lcfc
Really pleased Hamza stayed, he’s got all the ingredients to be a top quality player, he just needs a decent run in the first team but he just happens to be behind 2 of the very best in Wilf and Youri.
He didn’t track runners on a number of occasions. We didn’t get punished, but on another day probably would have. But yes, showed a good mentality.
Hamza starting must have been some form of agreement when he stayed. Jury is still out for me but this is his role. Come in on rotation and do a job. I hope he has a Stormer and is motm. Can’t complain on the other changes. Either enforced or otherwise. Up the foxes. #lcfc
When will Hamza be booked roulette. 37 minutes my guessing. #lcfc
Is Ndidi wearing a Hamza Choudhury costume? What a game he’s having.
Choudhury having a blinder #FULLEI #lcfc
Super goal from #LCFC Grand work from Hamza Choudhury to win the ball before pinpoint cross from James Maddison and nice header from Kelechi Iheanacho. Good start. #FULLEI
Seems to always be out of position, opposition attack and for some reason his always needing to run back, instead of already being behind the ball preventing attacks
He was better on the ball than I’ve seen him play for a while and brilliant man management. Speaks big volumes playing him to start.
I believe he can be a great player just needs time and Rogers support to develop not throw him on the scrap heap.
Good game after a long time without a start!!!
Terrible player. Couldnt even give the lad away in January. He didn’t play well tonight, in fact can’t think of a game he’s ever bossed
Unless Hamza it’s struggling with match fitness he should still be on for me, been solid.
Hamza been the best player on the pitch in the first 20! #OneOfOurOwn#LCFC#FulLei
What a goal, starts from Hamza winning and driving with the ball forward, superb ball from mads out wide like we know he can do, Kelechi running near post, keep it tight and let them come at us COME ON #LCFC
What is the over/under time for Hamza to pick up his customary yellow #lcfc
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