Prior to Saturday’s match against Plymouth, Zambia’s Patson Daka made just two cameo appearances from the bench for Leicester City.
The 25-year-old striker played 26 minutes in the Carabao Cup against Liverpool and just a minute in the Championship against Sunderland.
However, with Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho unavailable, Daka was handed his first start of the season by Enzo Maresca, who previously said he was not playing him because of stiff competition in his squad.
Daka took the opportunity, played 63 minutes, scored, and assisted in the Foxes’ 4-0 win, which extended their lead in the championship standings.
Reacting to his goal, Daka said he knew it was coming.
“It was a great afternoon. I knew it was coming; everyone knew it was coming; it was just a matter of time. I am happy that it has happened today and I am glad that I was able to contribute to the team’s victory today,” said Daka in a post-match interview.
Daka always ready
When asked if he was surprised that Enzo handed him his first start, Daka he wasn’t.
“Not really,” he responded. “I have been waiting for this opportunity, like I said; we all knew it was coming. For me, I am always staying ready so I don’t have to be ready.”
The 25-year-old Chipolopolo striker who netted nine international goals in 2023, also revealed what Enzo told him after the match.
“He was telling me that he was happy for me and he’s pleased that I did my best because I have always shown it in training and he is happy that I have shown it again today…. So I just have to keep on working hard to see what happens as we go on.
“He knows my quality; everyone knows my quality; it’s also just a matter of recognizing when to do it.”
Daka will look to start again on Wednesday against Millwall, as Vardy and Kelechi are expected to be unavailable again.
