Leicester City forward Jordan Ayew has been grabbing headlines with his clutch performances, scoring two vital stoppage-time goals this season as reported by ghanasoccernet
However, according to manager Steve Cooper, Ayew is not content with making his mark as a “super sub.” The 33-year-old’s ambition is clear: he wants to earn a place in Leicester’s starting eleven.
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After Ayew’s dramatic 94th-minute equalizer against Ipswich, which salvaged a crucial point for Leicester, Cooper praised Ayew’s impact but highlighted his desire for a more prominent role on the pitch. “He doesn’t want that to define his Leicester career,” Cooper said. “It’s a tough decision not to start him, to be honest.”
For the match against Ipswich, Cooper’s lineup prioritized attacking down the flanks, opting for wingers Abdul Fatawu and Stephy Mavididi, while veteran Jamie Vardy took up the central forward role. “We felt we needed to exploit Ipswich’s openness on the wings,” Cooper explained. “They tend to close off the middle, so we wanted to get Abdul and Stephy in wide spaces where they could cause damage. Vardy’s current form also made him hard to leave out as a starter.”
Despite Ayew’s bench role, his late-game entrance once again proved crucial, making a strong case for his inclusion in future starting lineups. Cooper acknowledged that Ayew’s recent performances have not only provided Leicester with vital points but also sparked a selection dilemma, as the forward’s skillset offers a game-changing presence.
Since joining Leicester from Crystal Palace on a two-year, £5 million contract, Ayew has quickly emerged as a key figure for the Foxes. However, his contributions off the bench are only fueling his ambition to secure a starting spot, showing that he’s far from settling into the role of a super sub.
