Fousseni Diabate gives Leicester City 'different option' – Claude Puel

Despite his limited game time since his winter transfer move, the Mali youth international has been commended for his qualities and hard work

Leicester City manager Claude Puel has showered praises on Fousseni Diabate for bringing his outstanding qualities.

Diabate was given the nod for his third Premier League start against Newscastle United last Saturday ahead of Demarai Gray, Kelechi Iheanacho and Shinji Okazaki.

The 22-year-old played for 76 minutes before being replaced by Gray in the Foxes’ 2-1 loss.

And Puel has described the former Guingamp attacker as a promising talent for the future who could help his team in their remaining games for the season.

“I am happy with Diabate because he always gives his best,” Puel told Leicester Mercury.

“He comes into the game quality and good intensity. He always gives something with his quickness, quality and technical moves. It is interesting and promising.

“We will see if he has more game time. I am happy with the job he is doing in training and in the game.

“Like Demarai, Marc Albrighton, Riyad Mahrez and Iheanacho, he gives us a different option.

“He is a young player and inexperienced player. He is promising for the future and we have to develop this player.

“He gives us good strengths for the team until the end of the season, also to prepare for next season.”

Diabate has scored two goals in 10 appearances including two FA Cup appearances since his arrival at the King Power Stadium in January.