Ruud van Nistelrooy’s rationale for Jordan Ayew and Bobby De Cordova-Reid picks may not stack up
The Leicester City manager has been explaining why he has selected the experienced wide duo over the likes of Facundo Buonanotte and Stephy Mavididi in recent weeks
For the past five games, Jordan Ayew and Bobby De Cordova-Reid have been Leicester City’s starting wingers. It has not been a popular decision.
It can sometimes be difficult to tell if social media anger is restricted to online spheres or is echoed by match-going fans, but the crowd inside the King Power Stadium made their voices clear on Friday night.
When it was announced 10 minutes into the second half that Ayew would be replaced, a huge cheer went up. The noise grew louder when his replacement, Facundo Buonanotte, had his name read out.
The Argentinian and one of last season’s stars in Stephy Mavididi are the men that City supporters appear to want on the wings. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s opinion has differed.
Why? Asked last week for his reasons behind Ayew and De Cordova-Reid’s continued selection, he said: “It’s the balance in our team that we have to look for. Creativity and experience and being solid.
“I look for a balance in being solid and not conceding, and then the other side is creating. It depends on the opponent but I look for that balance to reduce goals, of course, but we also have to create. That’s why we have different options on the wings.”
