Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is adding 'a little spice' to his black-boot reputation

It’s not often these days that young players make their name wearing all-black boots. But they are rather suited to Leicester City’s man of the moment Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

There have been a few experiments, but for most of the season, the midfielder has been sporting a jet-black Adidas pair. Nowadays, when a rainbow of colours are on offer to players, black boots are something of a throwback to a bygone era.

There is a reputation that comes with them: black-boot wearers are not flashy, but are determined, in-your-face, and hard workers. As Brendan Rodgers’ high-pressing box-to-box man, Dewsbury-Hall’s play style fits nicely with the stereotype.

However, the 23-year-old says he’s not making a statement. In fact, while he doesn’t mind giving off an old-school vibe, he is simply wearing them because they are the most comfortable pair he’s tried.

“I think they look nice,” he said after Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace. “To be honest, I’ve tried a lot of boots this season and they are the comfiest. For me it’s about comfort, I want to make sure my feet aren’t causing any problems when I’m playing. They look alright with the kit so I’m going to keep wearing them.

“I feel I am a bit of an old-school midfielder, box to box, like to do all sides of the game, so it’s nice the fans make those comparisons. I’ve just got to keep showing them what I can do.”

But Sunday’s game was proof, if any were needed, that Dewsbury-Hall’s qualities go far beyond those associated with black boots. He was decisive in earning the three points, slipping the perfect pass inside the full-back and centre-back to set up Ademola Lookman, then swivelling on the edge of the box and firing in his maiden Premier League goal.

It was a “special