Brendan Rodgers says he “hopes” to see Erling Haaland lining up against his Leicester side on Saturday so the Foxes can “measure” themselves against a “top talent”.
Haaland came off at half-time in Tuesday’s goalless Champions League draw with Borussia Dortmund with a fever. His inclusion this weekend, therefore, is uncertain.
The Manchester City striker has netted an incredible 22 goals in 15 games this season, including 17 in 11 Premier League outings. After blanking against Liverpool, the Norwegian bounced back to fire home two against Brighton last Saturday before failing to net again in midweek.
Despite his goalscoring feats this season, Rodgers is eager to see Haaland stroll around the King Power Stadium pitch in a few days’ time. “I hope he plays because it’s a player I’ve seen from his earlier years, and you want to see the best players,” he said.
“We have a chance to see a world-class player progress his talent on our shores. He’s 22, everyone can see the talent. He’s a natural goalscorer, but he works on it as well.
“He always makes the right runs. He never wastes a run. He has the hunger to be the best player he can be. Over this next decade it will be great to follow him. I hope he plays, it will be great to measure ourselves against top talents.”
Rodgers revealed how Leicester, who are unbeaten in three after a rough start to the season, will try to stop Haaland should he be well enough to start. “When he has space, he’s really effective,” he added.
“His runs, his movement and his hunger to score is very clear. They have world-class talents, so we have to defend well as a team. We have to use the ball well and exploit the spaces.”