Ruud van Nistelrooy told Facundo Buonanotte he was a “vital” player in Leicester City’s survival bid after dropping the Argentinian playmaker to the bench at Aston Villa.
Buonanotte has only started twice in van Nistelrooy’s seven matches in charge, despite being among City’s best performers prior to the Dutchman’s appointment. He did well in a promising team display against Manchester City, but was named as a substitute at Villa Park with Jordan Ayew available again after a one-match suspension.
The Ghanaian, who has now started the last three games he was eligible for, is being selected for his leadership and experience, says van Nistelrooy. Ayew did an excellent job in setting up City’s equaliser, but was slow to the ball for what proved to be Villa’s winner.
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Buonanotte did come off the bench late on but did not make an impact on the game. Still, van Nistelrooy has told him he remains an important member of the squad.
Asked why he selected Ayew over Buonanotte, van Nistelrooy said: “I think Jordan had an excellent game. He did really well with JJ (James Justin) controlling the right side. He got an important assist for the goal. His experience and leadership is helping the team.
“But Facundo, I told him he’s a vital member of our team, he’ll be a very important player for the months to come and will help us to perform. He knows I’m thinking of him like that. He’s one you will watch many times as well.”
Both Buonanotte and Ayew are City’s joint-second top scorers in the Premier League this season, each with four goals, behind Jamie Vardy on six. But Buonanotte is on his longest run without finding the net, last scoring in the 4-1 defeat to Brentford under caretaker boss Ben Dawson.
