Leicester City have found a 'real gem' in Anthony Knockaert
Leicester City have unearthed a real gem in winger Anthony Knockaert, according to assistant manager Craig Shakespeare.
Shakespeare said the France Under-21 international was the catalyst for City as they came from behind to beat Burnley 2-1 on Wednesday and maintain their 100 per cent home league record.
He hailed fellow assistant manager Steve Walsh for discovering the 20-year-old in the second tier of the French league, and said questions are now being asked in France about how such a talent has slipped through the fingers of the top French clubs.
"Steve Walsh does all the recruitment and he went out to watch him, although David Mills (who heads Walsh's scouting team) went out first to watch him," said Shakespeare, below.
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"They watched him over six, seven or eight games. They came back raving about him a couple of times. Nigel (Pearson) and I sat down and watched the DVDs and did a bit of homework in terms of his character.
"We scouted him well and he played in various positions. I think he can have an influence wherever he plays, but I thought him moving into that central area and making us tick he was the catalyst for us in the second half.
"When he played for the under-21s the other week, and scored, the reports in France were all about how could the top French clubs have missed out on him. That is a credit to Steve and his scouting team.
"It is a good scalp for the club and a great acquisition for us in terms of him being an asset, and at the age he is, just 20, he will develop and get better.
"I am not sure of the exact amount we paid for him but we could triple that at the moment."
Shakespeare said the diminutive winger had struck a comical friendship with giant striker Marko Futacs, which has helped him to settle in Leicester.
"He can speak English, but he gets by with the help of Marko Futacs," said Shakespeare.
"Seeing them together is a bit like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito in the film Twins. They have become good friends.
"When you think of a boy of that age, coming across to this country and having to settle in, and the demands of the Championship, I think he is a real find and a real talent for this club.
"He is an asset for the future. If you can imagine sending your boy across from France and him having to settle in, he has shown he has the strength of character to cope. He is a very bubbly character in the dressing-room.
"He is a good signing for us and the lad can play, there is no doubt about that."
Comments
by Norman09
Friday, September 28 2012, 8:20PM
“It will whilst we are winning, but the knives will be out as soon as he looses a couple on the trot. Heaven forbid if the are at the Kingprawn. (I shouldn't have to tell you that) So only one safe job on the planet. Is not to have a job. LOL!!”
by TheGeofflane
Friday, September 28 2012, 1:07PM
“Few other managers are expected to win promotion on Nigel's budget. While others spend millions, Nigel signs Man.Utd. reserves, Stoke reserves, Finds a jewel in France (Well done Steve Walsh) and pinches another from Barnsley. (Hope Mellis is next). On the one hand, build a club. On the other hand, expected to win promotion with one hand tied behind his back. And all at the whim of businessmen whose knowledge of football I question. After two poor choices they've chanced upon someone capable of building our club up to the level it could be. Will he get the chance, or will this destabilising furore finally cost us the 'Steady Eddie' this club has lacked for years?”
by Norman09
Sunday, September 23 2012, 9:15PM
“taylorouth66
Yes I did get upp to support the boys in blue. A great win indeed and congratulations to Mr Nugent on his hatrick. Also well done to the French lad and the rest of the team. It's just as well Pearson stuck with Nugent or it would have been 1-0 to Dull. Now don't get to carried away we still have 39 games to go. In answer to your gloating question. Yes I still believe Pearson is not the manager to take us forward. I am happy for my club, that we tamed the Tigers.”
by lesta_boy
Sunday, September 23 2012, 8:16PM
“The only one thing im worried about is if knockaert getsinjured, hes a player who wants the ball, give and goo...creates those chances, if he gets injured where will get that creativity from???”
by kapero
Sunday, September 23 2012, 7:48PM
“FoxUlike - Say what you like, you will never read between my lines. We were awesome today. Credit everyone in a BLUE shirt. But please read my last to one post, we were excellent because we narrowed the play, let Knockaert create and take the pressure away from others. Assists, movement, creation. Stunning.
I left the stadium feeling real proud and real happy. So well done to NP and the boys.”
by ghostof66
Sunday, September 23 2012, 6:46PM
“"It's time to gloat................
3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1,3-1, That's all that matters.........."”
by Chappy1884
Sunday, September 23 2012, 5:25PM
“Some think Marshall is NP's best signing - I still maintain Knockaert is going to be his best signing. He was awesome today.”
by taylorma66
Sunday, September 23 2012, 5:12PM
“Norman
I was there this afternoon (paying season ticket holder), assuming you got out of bed at 2.00am your time and listened on the radio for free, you'll be aware of the result.
Do you still think that Pearson should get fired?”
by FoxUlike
Sunday, September 23 2012, 8:07AM
“Kapero your anti-Pearson prejudice appears more and more ridiculous the more you attempt to re-hash it.
We have lost ONE home league game since January. (and that was against West Ham with our season already over and them pushing for automatic promotion).
We have won 8 and drawn the other three 3.
So, despite being undefeated in the last 11 meaningful home games (half a season), you say that you leave the KP after each home game "scratching your head"????
You do know that LCFC is the team playing in the blue shirts don't you?
The problem, if you haven't noticed, appears to be our away form. Durr!”
by kapero
Saturday, September 22 2012, 7:40AM
“Taylor - I go to most home games and I'm not that impressed with what I see. I just don't think we have moved forward at all. Some areas have improved, but at the expense of others. The syle of football is never consistent and I have the overriding feel that the players are not quite sure of themselves and what is expected of them as a unit.
This disappoints me. I go to every game hoping that I see us dismantle the opposition, but more often than not, I leave the ground scratching my head. I then have to listen to the usual 'opposition parking the bus' alongside the 'I'll get it right' lines.
We are at present an average team in an average league. We have a platform from which to improve and rise above the mediocrity, we also have time. But there has been little sign of that improvement in NPs reign so far. I need to start seeing the signs before the praise flows.
As for your rights to comment, it's same old rubbish. I guess a home and away supporter can come on here and tell me I'm wrong eh. Modern media renders your argument invalid to a degree.
And no matter what, distance or circumstances can never influence a true supporters love and passion for their club.”