Why Harry Winks was dropped and what Steve Cooper hopes it signals to the Leicester City squad

Harry Winks was left out of the starting lineup for the first time as a Leicester City player, as manager Steve Cooper sought a “little solution” to the club’s winless streak.

Cooper hopes the decision will serve as an example to the rest of the squad, signaling that opportunities can arise for anyone.

Winks remained on the bench as City secured a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday, with Oliver Skipp and Wilfred Ndidi taking up the central midfield roles.

This was only the second time Winks had not featured in Leicester’s league lineup since his £10 million move from Tottenham last summer.

His previous absence was due to a suspension in a win over Watford last season.

In Winks’ absence, Skipp and Ndidi performed admirably.

They were particularly effective in winning 50-50 challenges, helping to launch attacks in the first half and protecting the defense in the second.

Their solid performance contributed to the much-needed three points for Leicester.

For Cooper, leaving Winks out of the squad was a way to motivate the rest of the team, showing that no player’s spot is guaranteed and that others will get their chances.

However, he remains confident that Winks will continue to play a key role in the team’s future.

“There were a lot of questions about the variety of midfielders we have during the transfer window,” Cooper said.

“It gives us options and allows us to make adjustments based on different games.

We hadn’t won in six games, so we were looking for solutions.

Harry’s been a crucial player for us and has had a big impact since joining, and I’m sure that will continue moving forward.

“But we have other players in every position who can make an impact. This is a good example of the need to be ready.

Opportunities will come, and that’s just how modern football works. Sometimes changes are necessary.”

In addition to the midfield switch, Cooper brought Jordan Ayew into the starting lineup.

Initially, it seemed Ayew would play on the right wing with Facundo Buonanotte in a central role, but they swapped positions early on.

Buonanotte, playing from the right, made a significant impact by weaving past Bournemouth defenders and scoring the match’s only goal.

“He’s a talented young guy, and I’ve been fortunate to work with players of his age and talent before,” Cooper said of Buonanotte, who is on loan from Brighton.

“You have to manage their development carefully—when they play, when they don’t, and how they adjust off the pitch.

“He’s still adjusting to English football, having moved to Brighton and now being with us. He’s shown great talent and attitude.

He’s aggressive, takes risks with the ball, and, for a creative player, puts in a real defensive effort as well.

We’re enjoying working with him, and we know he can make a difference in games.”

This performance, with key contributions from Buonanotte and others, shows Leicester’s ability to adapt, and Cooper’s tactical decisions may prove crucial as the team looks to build momentum.