English Premier League
‘It’s unfortunate’ – Dean Smith on Wilfred Ndidi’s penalty incident at Manchester City
By Monsurah Olatunji
Wilfred Ndidi has been finding life difficult with a series of injuries and Dean Smith has defended the Nigeria midfielder over his latest gaffes in Leicester City’s 3-1 defeat at Manchester City on Saturday.
The Super Eagles was in the discussion of some of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League but since his return from a protracted injury layoff last season, he has hasn’t been the same, with just 1,418 minutes in 22 games.
Ndidi led Leicester to the Etihad Stadium to take on title holders, Manchester City, where they lost 3-1, with the midfielder was at the center of criticism after he handled the ball to gift City its first goal from the penalty spot.
The 26-year-old was also blamed for Pep Guardiola’s side’s third goal as Kevin de Bruyne took the ball from him before setting up Erling Haaland and new manager insisted that Ndidi had little influence over the incidents.
“Yes, it’s unfortunate. I mean, Tim (Castagne) is looking to stop the cross. Jack Grealish lifts it, you know, to stand it up at the far post, and Wilf’s lifted his leg to try and stop it as well,” Smith told LCTV.
“And if the ball doesn’t hit his hand, it hits his face. But I would have certainly been claiming that as well if I was their manager.”
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