Patson Daka: “Returning to the Premier League would transform my game.

Patson Daka: “Returning to the Premier League would transform my game.

Patson Daka reflects on the last nine months at Leicester City as a period of growth, despite the challenges he’s faced. Despite a disappointing season that saw Leicester relegated to the Championship, Daka has maintained his trademark smile.

When he joined Leicester from Red Bull Salzburg in 2021, his goal was to help the club compete at the top of the Premier League and in Europe. However, his second season was tough, with Daka scoring only four times.

Over the summer, Daka faced uncertainty about his future, with a potential move to Bournemouth falling through on the last day of the transfer window. With new manager Enzo Maresca not initially counting on him, Daka had limited playing time at the start of the season.

Despite this, Daka continued to impress Maresca with his work ethic. When injuries to other strikers gave him a chance to start, he seized the opportunity. He went on to start six Championship games in a row, scoring four goals before leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia.

Daka emphasizes the team’s shared responsibility for success, highlighting that they work together and take responsibility as a group

sea more.

Patson Daka’s AFCON Disappointment Could Benefit Leicester

During the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Patson Daka showcased his talent, scoring one goal and providing an assist for Zambia. However, Zambia’s performance fell short, and they were eliminated from the tournament. Despite this setback, Daka remains optimistic, seeing the experience as valuable for the young, inexperienced Zambian squad.

“Only one of the squad had played in the AFCON before,” Daka explains. “It was our first experience, a great experience. The more we play together, the better because it’s a new team in a way. We have a different coach, different tactics and different philosophies. We’re trying to adapt to that but so far, I think we are heading in the right direction. Hopefully, the next time we go to the AFCON, it’s going be a different story.”

After returning from AFCON, Daka continued his impressive form, scoring three goals in three games. His mental strength, perhaps developed through personal challenges like losing his father at a young age, has been a key asset.

Daka’s positive mindset was evident during a period when he was out of Leicester’s starting XI. “There were mixed emotions but mostly positive,” he recalls. “It was not easy but I had great support from my family and friends, and I just had to stay positive.”

He sees these challenges as opportunities for growth. “I always try to be positive in every negative situation,” he says. “At that moment, I was telling myself, ‘What if I am playing now and I go on without scoring without playing?’. Well, what would have happened? So maybe God was saving me for this time, so it was a time of growth, you know? It was a seed that was being planted and now it was just the time for it to blossom.”

Daka’s resilience and determination make him a valuable asset for Leicester, where he continues to impress, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and success

sea more.

A player who has been on the fringes for a long time might be expected to feel sorry for themselves and sulk. However, Daka has been commended by Maresca and Zambia coach Avram Grant for his positive attitude during a challenging period.

Daka even understood the reasons behind not being selected by Maresca. He explains, “He was telling me it was not because I’m not training well, but the situation. Kels (Iheanacho) was doing well, Vardy was doing well, and the team was doing well. If I was in their position and I was doing well and then someone comes and takes me out of the team I would be… no (not happy)! So it was just a matter of me supporting them, making sure they continued helping the team, because I knew that was how I could contribute to the team. It happened that my chance came and I had to step in and take it.”

Uncertainty over Daka’s future in the summer may have contributed to his initial absence from Maresca’s side. His profile may not have seemed an obvious fit for a possession-based system that requires just one striker adept at dropping deep and linking play.

Daka has always excelled as a striker playing on the shoulder of the last defender and running the channels, using his electric pace, much like Vardy. However, since his return, he is learning to adapt, similar to his former teammate at Salzburg, Erling Haaland, who had to do the same when he joined Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, where Maresca developed his ‘idea’ as assistant manager.

sea more.

“Playing this style of football is a completely different philosophy,” Daka explains. “I’m accustomed to making runs behind the defense or playing off the shoulder. It’s a new challenge that requires adaptation and continuous effort. I’m gradually getting there.”

He acknowledges the contrast in playing styles between himself and Haaland, despite both adapting to similar systems.

“While I haven’t closely studied or watched him, we still keep in touch,” Daka says. “We have different attributes and playstyles. I prefer to focus on my own games, analyzing what I can improve and discussing with coaches to enhance my performance. Our system often puts me in similar positions, so I strive to understand what to do better next time.”

After nearly leaving the club last summer, Daka now sets his sights on succeeding with Leicester City in the Premier League, a competition where he believes he has unfinished business.

“This season has been positive for the club, and it appears we’re on track for a return to the Premier League,” Daka notes. “However, we must remain focused, as there are still many games ahead. I believe I can showcase more in the Premier League now. With gained experience and adapting to a different game style, I feel I’ll be a different and more capable player.”