The reason behind Steve Cooper’s decision not to pair Leicester City’s dynamic duo, who excelled last season.

Last season, Mavididi and Fatawu played pivotal roles in Leicester City’s Championship-winning campaign, excelling as wingers and consistently contributing to the team’s success.

Between them, they tallied an impressive 37 combined goals and assists by the end of the 2024/25 season.

Their pace was a nightmare for opposing full-backs, but under the new management of Steve Cooper, the two have been on the field together for just 30 minutes this season.

This tactical change has led to frustration among fans, with some expressing their dissatisfaction through boos at the King Power Stadium.

According to Jordan Blackwell from Leicestershire Live, the limited playing time of Mavididi and Fatawu together this season is largely due to Cooper’s tactical preferences.

Unlike former manager Enzo Maresca, who utilized both wingers to great effect, Cooper’s system focuses more on central play.

His setup includes two defensively-oriented midfielders, a number 10, and just one winger, who is expected to cut inside rather than stay wide.

Players like Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Jordan Ayew, and most recently Facundo Buonanotte have been deployed in this role, while Cooper views Mavididi and Fatawu as wide players who perform best when stationed on the flanks.

In Cooper’s system, the full-back on the side of the winger who cuts inside takes on the role of an attacking player.

Initially, Victor Kristiansen filled this position in the first few games of the season, but more recently, James Justin has been given the freedom to push forward when Leicester goes on the attack.

However, Cooper’s tactical approach has not been well-received, as the team has struggled to secure a victory in the Premier League.

Leicester has set an undesirable record by becoming one of the first newly promoted teams in over 20 years to fail to win any of their opening six matches.

The fans’ growing impatience has added pressure to Cooper’s already scrutinized decisions.

Speaking earlier this season, Cooper explained his strategy: “You try to identify key areas on the pitch against an opponent that you can take advantage of.

Sometimes it’s about neutralizing their strengths, other times it’s exploiting their weaknesses. Whether it’s using a high winger or a certain midfield profile, that’s part of coaching.

Additionally, it’s about form – Stephy has scored two goals, and his return is good right now, so we look to continue improving players who are performing well.

It’s a puzzle we’re always trying to piece together for each game.”