Steve Cooper Addresses Abdul Fatawu’s Omission by Highlighting Stephy Mavididi’s Inclusion

Leicester City manager Steve Cooper has emphasized that the focus should be on Stephy Mavididi’s inclusion rather than on the omission of Abdul Fatawu when discussing the selection of his wingers.

Mavididi’s recent performances have earned him a spot in the starting lineup, while Fatawu, a regular last season, has seen his role reduced.

Cooper suggests that such changes are a natural consequence of having a competitive squad and that no player is being unfairly treated.

This season, Fatawu and Mavididi have not started together in any Premier League match.

Fatawu began the campaign as a starter for the first three games, but since then, Mavididi has taken over, starting the last four matches.

Cooper’s tactical preference for a winger who can also function as an attacking midfielder has opened opportunities for players like Facundo Buonanotte, Jordan Ayew, and Bobby De Cordova-Reid to take on the other wide position.

While fans initially questioned Mavididi’s absence at the beginning of the season, the narrative has shifted.

Many supporters now call for Fatawu to regain his place in the starting lineup, with hopes of seeing the duo from last season reunited on the pitch.

Fatawu has appeared in every game as a substitute, but his playing time has been limited.

He was brought on only in added time against both Everton and Arsenal and played the last 10 minutes against Bournemouth.

Cooper insists that Fatawu’s exclusion is not a result of poor form but rather a reflection of Mavididi’s current performances.

“That question could be for anybody who doesn’t start,” Cooper noted before Leicester’s recent victory over Bournemouth.

“We have a squad. Everybody’s working hard. We have a team that will start and players that will finish.”

Cooper stressed that squad rotation is necessary and natural in a competitive environment, mentioning that other players like Kasey McAteer could also find themselves in a similar position.

For Cooper, Mavididi’s recent performances have earned him his spot, but he remains confident in Fatawu’s abilities and future prospects. “Abdul’s a really good young player,” Cooper said.

“He’s got a really bright future ahead of him. There will be spells where he does well and spells where he needs to come through. It’s normal.”

He praised Fatawu’s attitude and hard work, noting that while opportunities might be scarce now, they will come in time.

Mavididi has justified his inclusion with strong performances, making him Leicester’s top scorer this season with three goals.

In contrast, Fatawu has contributed to just one goal so far, assisting Jamie Vardy’s equalizer against Tottenham in the season opener.

Last season, Fatawu recorded 20 combined goals and assists, with Mavididi close behind with 19.

In short, Cooper believes that Mavididi’s form is currently meriting his place in the team, and squad rotation is a regular part of the game.

He remains optimistic about Fatawu’s future and believes that his time will come again.