Patson Daka challenged by Brendan Rodgers to make most of his privileged position next season

Patson Daka has been challenged by manager Brendan Rodgers to make the most of his privileged position as Jamie Vardy’s understudy and improve his game next season.

The Zambian striker netted 11 goals in his first campaign at the club, following a £23m switch from RB Salzburg, but just one in his last 15 outings of the season. He described his maiden campaign at the King Power Stadium as “not really the best like I expected, but a season I can build on.”

Vardy finished the season with a flourish, the number nine netting five in his final four matches to end with the best goals-per-game ratio in the Premier League, doubts over how the 35-year-old would be affected by back-to-back serious injuries have been cast aside. That means Daka will likely still be playing second fiddle in his second season at City.

But Rodgers has said there are few better players for him to learn from than Vardy, whose contract at City expires next summer. And the manager does believe Daka will continue to improve.

Speaking just before the end of the season, Rodgers said on Daka: “He’s had a great position, when he hasn’t played, to be watching someone of Jamie’s quality, because that’s the type of striker he is. He’s one who will threaten the back-line.

“This year has been a great learning for Patson, he’s come in and done really well in some games. He’s scored goals at the level. He’s also had the chance to see the level of the Premier League, which is a big step from where he was before.

“I just think with Patson, he’s only going to get better and better. It’s been an adaption for him this season. Jamie is a top, top striker when he’s fit and at his best, as we saw over the last few games. There’s not too many around still like him, he’s