“Made a huge difference”: Ex-Leicester City star praises key Cooper signing for making a significant impact this season
Steve Cooper is facing difficulty winning over Leicester City fans since his appointment at the King Power Stadium.
Leicester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Ipswich Town over the weekend, following a heavy 5-2 defeat to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup earlier in the week.
After crashing out of that competition, Leicester fans made their frustrations with manager Cooper known.
The Foxes now face a tough run of fixtures, including matches against two of the traditional ‘big-six’ teams in their next six Premier League games.
Poor results in these matches are likely to put additional pressure on the 46-year-old manager, especially given Leicester fans’ growing calls for Jose Mourinho to replace him.
However, despite the mounting pressure, Cooper deserves credit for some of his signings during the 2024 summer transfer window.
One such addition, Facundo Buonanotte, has impressed following his loan move from Brighton and Hove Albion, drawing comparisons to Lionel Messi for his strong performances at the King Power Stadium.
Jordan Ayew’s Growing Importance to Leicester City
Another summer acquisition, Jordan Ayew, has come in for significant praise from former Leicester player Matt Piper.
Ayew joined Leicester from Crystal Palace late in the transfer window, a move that initially raised eyebrows.
However, the 32-year-old has already made a notable impact, earning a reputation for his ability to change games off the bench.
Speaking on the When You’re Smiling podcast, Piper highlighted Ayew’s role in the squad, saying: “He’s getting a reputation for it [being impactful off the bench], which is a good habit to have.
Sometimes defences get tired, and you can exploit those spaces when you come on.
You have to come on with the mentality of trying to make a difference if the game isn’t going to plan.
Can you be a game-changer, not just someone who is seeing out time?”
Piper went on to add that Ayew has been crucial in Leicester’s recent points haul, noting: “He’s very much part of the squad, and we’ve picked up four points from his goals. He’s made a huge difference.
Sometimes he may start, but if he’s coming on and doing it, then so be it.
Aston Villa have the same conundrum with [Ollie] Watkins and [Jhon] Duran coming on. He’s getting the chances and finishing well.
I don’t put him down as a finisher, more of a link player – but he’s proving to be so key.”
Leicester’s Survival Hingeing on Ayew’s Goals
When Ayew’s signing was first announced, his age and previous lack of consistent goals in the Premier League led to some skepticism.
However, his two goals for Leicester this season have already proven crucial to their survival hopes.
Ayew netted in Leicester’s comeback victory over Southampton, securing only their second win of the 2024/25 campaign.
He then scored again as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Ipswich on Saturday, earning Leicester another important point.
Without Ayew’s contributions, Leicester would only have six points, sitting just one point above the relegation zone.
His goals have undeniably been vital to their bid for Premier league survival.
