On Friday, Leicester City FC formally introduced Ruud Van Nistelrooy, a Dutch tactian, as their new head coach for a three-year term.
The East Midlands side turned to Van Nistelrooy to take the helm at the King Power Stadium after his impressive stint as Manchester United’s interim coach.
He recorded three wins in four games, including two emphatic wins against the Foxes.
The former PSV Eindhoven manager will take charge of his first Leicester City match on December 3 against West Ham with a squad bolstered by the return of Zambian striker Patson Daka.
Daka, 26, returned to action last week after recovering from an ankle injury that saw him sidelined for three months.
The Chipolopolo striker has tallied 22 goals in 97 games for Leicester City and will be playing under his fourth different manager since joining the club.
Throughout his career in Europe, Daka has been coached by some top managers, all of whom played as defenders and midfielders during their careers.
Van Nistelrooy will be the first former striker to manage Copper Bullets marksman Patson Daka. The Dutchman was one of Europe’s deadliest finishers while playing for sides like PSV, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
A comparison of Van Nistelrooy’s and Patson Daka’s playing styles
Known for his blistering pace and work rate, Daka has a knack for making runs in behind the opposition defence. On his day, the Zambian striker is a decent finisher, particularly in one-on-one situations, proficiently scoring with either foot.
However, decision-making in front of goal, positioning and link-up play are areas in which the centre-forward would want to seek improvement.
In contrast, while not as fast as Daka, Van Nistelrooy excelled when it came to positioning and finishing off chances. The former Netherlands international was easily one of the best goalscorers in his generation.
In Van Nistelrooy, Daka will not only have a manager but a mentor that could help the Chipolopolo striker polish up his game and perfect his goal scoring ability.
With only two years left on his Leicester City contract, Daka needs to prove that he is consistent enough to fill the boots of 37-year-old Jamie Vardy before the clock runs out.
