Steve Cooper Addresses Fatawu’s Omission by Focusing on Mavididi’s Selection

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

This season, Cooper has yet to start both of last season’s regular wide-men together in the Premier League.

Fatawu started the first three matches, while Mavididi has been in the lineup for the past four games.

Cooper’s tactical preference for a winger who can also serve as an attacking midfielder has led to Facundo Buonanotte, Jordan Ayew, or Bobby De Cordova-Reid filling the other wide position.

Earlier in the season, fans questioned Mavididi’s absence from the starting lineup, but the conversation has now shifted.

Many Leicester supporters are now calling for Fatawu to regain his spot, hoping that the dynamic wide duo from last season can feature together again.

Fatawu has come on as a substitute in every match where he didn’t start, but his playing time has been limited in recent weeks.

He made brief appearances in stoppage time against both Everton and Arsenal and was brought on for the final 10 minutes against Bournemouth.

Cooper, however, views Fatawu’s reduced role as a standard part of managing a competitive squad.

He clarified that Fatawu is not being dropped due to poor performance, but rather because Mavididi has been in excellent form.

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

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

Cooper went on to explain that the rotation between Mavididi and Fatawu is a reflection of the depth in the squad.

“Three or four games ago, it was Stephy [who wasn’t starting]. Now it’s Abdul.

It could be Kasey McAteer next. It’s a normal question to ask, but the real question should be about Stephy’s form, not Abdul’s absence. Next week, it will be someone else.”

The Leicester boss also highlighted the positive competition within the squad, noting that all the players are pushing each other and fighting for their spots in the team.

He praised Fatawu’s talent and work ethic, emphasizing that the young Ghanaian winger has a bright future ahead. “Abdul’s a really exciting young player with a great attitude.

He had an excellent spell in the Championship last year, and he will go through phases where he needs to push through challenges.

That’s part of his development, and it’s perfectly normal.”

Mavididi has become Leicester’s top scorer this season, netting three goals across all competitions.

In contrast, Fatawu has only registered one assist so far, crossing for Jamie Vardy’s equalizer in the opening game against Tottenham.

Last season, however, Fatawu contributed a total of 20 combined goals and assists, while Mavididi was just behind with 19. Despite the current situation, Cooper remains confident that both players will play crucial roles as the season progresses.