Back-heel goal was inspired by my hero Zlatan Ibrahimovic, says Leicester City’s Anthony Knockaert
Anthony Knockaert said his exquisite back-heeled goal was inspired by his idol – Sweden and Paris St Germain star Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The goal completed Leicester City's 2-0 victory at Huddersfield on Tuesday night.
The French winger flicked out a heel to hook home the ball from behind him to kill off Simon Grayson's side.
He had driven the first nail into their coffin too with a fantastic long-range strike.
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Ibrahimovic, the former AC Milan and Barcelona star, has scored his fair share of outrageous back-heel flicks, most notably for Sweden against Italy during Euro 2004.
Knockaert said he was delighted with his goals, especially the second.
"I think it is the best goal of my career and I am very happy for the fans and the team," he said.
"The second goal was very similar to Ibrahimovic. It was a fantastic goal. I like this player very much and he inspires me."
The France under-21 international said he was settling in well at City after his summer move from French second division side Guingamp and was enjoying the intensity of the English game.
"I am very happy to play for Leicester and tonight is fantastic for the team and for me," he said. "I am very happy. This league is not the same as France because here the player gives their life. In France, it is not the same intensity.
"Here it is very quick intensity and I think that it is better to play in England."
Knockaert's performance was hailed by his team-mate Danny Drinkwater, who was particularly impressed with his second goal.
"The second goal was the best, it was a bit of magic," said Drinkwater. "The first goal was a great strike, but the second was magical.
"He is more of a No.10. He has two great feet and a quality left foot.
"He is a good player and I am sure he will have a bright future in the game."
Comments
by dobranich
Thursday, October 04 2012, 8:48PM
“Report on sky just now. Harry (the slippery one) Redknapp just said he had not spoken to Leicester City.”
by FoxUlike
Thursday, October 04 2012, 2:43PM
“Only LCFC fans could criticise a player for scoring a goal like that!! :D”
by lcfctilidie
Thursday, October 04 2012, 2:37PM
“Player was on a high from the first goal. You cant blame him for trying it with the confidence he has. If he gets it right every time then not a problem. We could have a really special player here.
I thought at the time 2.4 Mil sounded a lot, but i can see he may be well worth it.”
by LCFC_Dave15
Thursday, October 04 2012, 2:36PM
“Great goal AK, and a great player to look up to is Zlatan. Young prospect with good attitude. Prem teams: HANDS OFF OUR STARLET!! I'm sure Nigel will keep him at good ol Leicester in Jan transfer window. :-)”
by yorkiefox
Thursday, October 04 2012, 2:25PM
“Super second goal- yes. Arrogant- yes.
If I were Andy King I would have really rocketed Knokaert if he had miskicked and taken the ball off my head when in a better position to score.
All was well this time, but the point remains - if someone else is able to score more easily you do not take a huge risk by taking the ball off them for a high risk effort.
So, brilliant goal but just as well. Great talent, great prospect great audacity, fabulous.”
by LE2FOX
Thursday, October 04 2012, 2:08PM
“So the goal he smashed in from 30+ yards was with his weaker foot?! What a player we could have on our hands.”
by Valefox1
Thursday, October 04 2012, 1:11PM
“Practice crosses my backside,Konch's cross was a good one, he was running at pace, if you watch it again you will notice AK has his eyes on the ball and adjusts his feet to make contact with the ball, great technique, Andy King was running in behind and I sure would have made contact if AK had not, and there were one or two more players in there as well.”
by lcfctilidie
Thursday, October 04 2012, 12:52PM
“Yes, good times to be a Leicester fan. Best team we have had in a while and playing well together. Future is looking bright.”
by Chappy1884
Thursday, October 04 2012, 12:29PM
“If Vardy could start getting his close range efforts in the onion bag,
and Nuge hits the form we all know he can,
With Marshall, King and now Knockaert banging them in,
Dyer and Schlupps Pace and Futacs a possible target man.
Oppositions keepers must be bricking it.
We have players that shoot from anywhere inside 40 yards. How do you defend against that all at once?”
by lcfctilidie
Thursday, October 04 2012, 12:24PM
“Cant really fault Nugent and Vardy. They worked their socks off. They also drew defenders away so Knockers or King had the space for the second goal. Everyone worked hard for this win.”