Rodgers' Praise For Choudhury & Brunt

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Rodgers' Praise For Choudhury & Brunt

Brendan Rodgers praised the performances of his defensive players, many featuring in unfamiliar positions, during the 4-1 win over Watford.

2022-01-08T19:19:30.149Z

Rodgers' Praise For Choudhury & Brunt

Brendan Rodgers praised the performances of his defensive players, many featuring in unfamiliar positions, during the 4-1 win over Watford.

2022-01-08T19:19:30.149Z

Rodgers' Praise For Choudhury & Brunt

Brendan Rodgers praised the performances of his defensive players, many featuring in unfamiliar positions, during the 4-1 win over Watford.

2022-01-08T19:19:30.149Z

Rodgers' Praise For Choudhury & Brunt

Brendan Rodgers praised the performances of his defensive players, many featuring in unfamiliar positions, during the 4-1 win over Watford.

2022-01-08T19:19:30.149Z

Rodgers' Praise For Choudhury & Brunt

Brendan Rodgers praised the performances of his defensive players, many featuring in unfamiliar positions, during the 4-1 win over Watford.

2022-01-08T19:19:30.149Z

- Leicester City beat Watford 4-1 in the Emirates FA Cup Third Round on Saturday- Manager Brendan Rodgers was forced to make nine changes to his starting XI for the tie- The Foxes manager was delighted by the performances of Hamza Choudhury and Lewis Brunt- He also discussed James Justin's ongoing recovery from an ACL injury

Holders Leicester City sealed safe passage into the fourth round of the competition, in its 150th year, with goals from Youri Tielemans, James Maddison, Harvey Barnes and Marc Albrighton on the scoresheet. The Foxes made nine changes due to injury, illnesses and internationals.

Hamza Choudhury was actually one of the two players to remain in the XI from the 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the Premier League, but he was utilised in a centre-back role for Rodgers' men on Saturday. The Northern Irishman, speaking afterwards, explained the decision and praised the Academy graduate.

"We knew, more or less, what we would have and then it was a case of Timothy [Castagne] in the early evening of yesterday – we gave it to the very last moment with him – but he was struggling," the Foxes manager told LCFC TV.

"We were then looking at centre-half because that’s where he was going to play. He can play at right-side centre-half because of his speed. When he couldn’t, I rang Hamza and said he would be playing there. He’s done it in training, both in a back two and back three, and I like to have speed in my backline.

"He gave us that today. I thought he was absolutely sensational in the game. I’m so happy for him and his performance. His recovery and speed was so important for us… the times he got back and nicked it, his blocks, his interceptions, he covered really well, and his passing was excellent in the main.

"The game’s in front of him, so he’s got lots of options. He played it short, played it wide, he played a few diagonals, which were absolutely brilliant. I thought he was outstanding."

Youngster Lewis Brunt, on the other hand, was handed a full debut in the third-round tie, initially starting in a deep midfield berth, before moving into left-back. Rodgers was thrilled to see the 21-year-old step up to the occasion in front of a large crowd in his maiden senior appearance.

"[He was] excellent," the former Liverpool and Celtic manager continued. "He started the game really well. He played good passes. He passes the ball well and he’s aggressive. He just needs to keep bringing his personality because I believe he can be a really good player.

"He’s 21 so he’s not a young one. [He needs to] impose himself on the game and I thought he did that, especially when he went into a back-three. That’s where he’s normally used to playing. I thought he looked very accomplished.

"The role of the Under-23s is to ensure that, if players are going to come through, that they’re game ready. Ben does a great job with our Under-23s, preparing them to come and play with the first team, tactically and technically."

Elsewhere, full-back James Justin continued his return from an ACL injury, sustained last February, by featuring for the Club's Development Squad earlier on Saturday.

"It's a huge step forward for him," Rodgers said. "I’m delighted. He’s a really important player for us. Finger’s crossed there’s no ill effects over the next couple of days with him. He’s super fit. He’s a naturally fit boy, but we just have to be careful with him. I’ll speak to him, see how he feels and take it from there."

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