Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana has come a long way from his days at Saint-Etienne in Ligue 1. The talented 20-year-old centre-back has become a key player in Leicester City’s setup, and his recent performances have earned him praise from his manager, Graham Potter.
Fofana joined Leicester City from Saint-Etienne in September 2020, for a reported fee of £36.5 million. The youngster provided instant impact for the Foxes, starting 37 of their 38 Premier League games last season. Although he started this current campaign in fine form, fans and pundits raised doubts about his ability to play at the highest level. However, he has silenced his doubters in his last two games and earned praise from his manager.
The Frenchman was tasked with filling the boots of Thiago Silva during Leicester City’s fixture against Chelsea on 22 August. The Brazilian veteran, who signed for Chelsea from Paris Saint-Germain last year, is regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the world. Fofana played a big part in keeping Chelsea at bay, helping Leicester City to claim a 2-1 victory against the reigning champions.
The Leicester City centre-back produced an excellent performance, with Aaron Rodgers playing three at the back, giving Fofana the responsibility of keeping Chelsea’s attacking players in check. The 20-year-old was quick to the ball, composed on the ball and most importantly, kept his nerve in a high-pressure game. He did not put a foot wrong, remaining resolute throughout the match, and his performance caught the attention of his boss, Graham Potter.
Potter praised Fofana, calling his performance against Chelsea “immense” and praised him for playing with intelligence and calmness, saying the 20-year-old has shown what he is capable of. “Wesley is a top, top player. He played with intelligence, he had that calmness and composure on the ball, and he defended really well,” Potter said. “He’s young, but he’s got experience, and he’s shown what he’s capable of.”
Fofana continued his fine form in Leicester City’s recent Premier League fixture against Norwich City, helping the Foxes to a 2-1 victory before producing another solid performance in Leicester’s Europa League match against Legia Warsaw. Fofana showcased his versatility, putting in a fantastic display at right-back in the 1-0 win, highlighting his growing importance to Leicester City’s squad.
Fofana’s performances have not gone unnoticed by the national team coach, Didier Deschamps. The French coach has been monitoring the youngster’s progress, and he is said to be impressed with Fofana’s form. Deschamps has included the young defender in his recent squad, and Fofana could feature in France’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Fofana’s performances have not only earned him praise from his club and country, but they have also caught the attention of several top clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid and Liverpool. Leicester City signed Fofana with the intention of developing him into a top defender, and with his recent performances, the Foxes have reached a stage where they will have to fend off interest from Europe’s top clubs.
In conclusion, Fofana’s recent performances have shown that he is a talented young defender who is capable of playing at the highest level. His performances in Leicester City’s last two games have earned him praise from his manager and teammates, and he has shown that he is up to the task of filling the boots of Thiago Silva. With Fofana’s talent and potential, it is no surprise that he has already caught the attention of top European clubs. Leicester City will be hoping to keep hold of the youngster for the foreseeable future, as he is an integral part of their future plans.