Leicester City’s Claude Puel praises Diabate, Iheanacho

Leicester City manager Claude Puel has heaped praises on Fousseni Diabate and Kelechi Iheanacho for their respective displays in the Foxes' 1-1 stalemate with Swansea City on Saturday.

In the absence of Riyad Mahrez who has embarked on a self-imposed strike, new signing Diabate made his English Premier League debut and flourished on the right-hand side of the attack, featuring from start to finish.

Iheanacho set up Jamie Vardy for the opening goal before Federico Fernandez levelled matter for Carlos Carvalhal’s men.

And the French tactician has showered encomium on the African duo, alongside Adrien Silva, for their performance in the tie.

“I think he [Diabate] has a lot qualities and good attributes for the Premier League,” Puel was quoted as saying by Leicester Mercury.

“It was his second game for us and he showed a lot of quality.

“He combined very well with his team-mates. He played simple passes and two touches, and he made good penetration.

“It was a very good first half and he showed some strong work defensively, and brought something to our attack.”

“I think it is a good performance and I am happy like with Iheanacho, Diabate and Silva.

“They gave their best and contributed good quality, strong quality, the big quality of the squad.

“There was a lot of moves, good combinations and a lot of chances. We just didn’t have the clinical edge at the end.

"It was encouraging for the future. We showed different qualities with different players and different attributes.”