Phenomenal Wesley Fofana will rise to the very top thanks to his lack of respect

The “phenomenal” Wesley Fofana has taken another step towards the very top of the game.

Despite a dramatic comeback at the other end, Leicester City scoring twice in the final 15 minutes to beat PSV on Thursday, it was Fofana’s performance at the back that had supporters raving. The 21-year-old made several exquisitely-timed challenges to stop PSV breakaways when City were pushing forward, his strength at the back allowing for more players to push forward in search of an equaliser, and then a winner.

Despite scoring on his return against Rennes, it was arguably Fofana’s best performance since his recovery from a seven-month lay-off. It was only his fourth game back, and he started the match while still fasting for Ramadan, and manager Brendan Rodgers was quick to pour the praise on him.

“He is unbelievable,” Rodgers said. “I thought he started a bit slow, both centre-halves were slow on the ball, just finding their bearings because they have been out for quite a while. But once they got into it, once they got their aggression and passing going, they were really good.

“He is a very, very talented young player. You think again, he hasn’t eaten all day. It was only midway through the game that he started to get some food on. He is a phenomenal talent and one that will go right to the very top of the game.”

It is hard to believe that Fofana has only played 72 senior matches in his career when he reads play like a veteran of the game. His 12 ball recoveries at PSV was the highest tally of any player to feature in the Conference League quarter-final second legs.

Rodgers also says that part of his success is his lack of respect on the field. The boss added: “His anticipation as a defender is top, he just has an in-built brain