Why Harry Winks was dropped and what Steve Cooper hopes it tells the Leicester City squad

Harry Winks was dropped for the first time as a Leicester City player as Steve Cooper looked for a “little solution” to the club’s winless run, and the manager hopes it's a decision that provides an "example" to his squad.

Winks was an unused substitute as City beat Bournemouth 1-0 on Saturday, with Oliver Skipp and Wilfred Ndidi paired together at the base of midfield. It was just the second time Winks has not been in a City league line-up since joining from Tottenham for £10m last summer, with his only previous absence coming last term, when he missed a win over Watford through suspension.

In his absence, Ndidi and Skipp did well. They particularly excelled in winning 50-50s to help set up attacks in the first half and then in protecting the defence in the second period, and City came out with the three points they craved.

For Cooper, his decision to leave Winks out showed the rest of the squad to stay on their toes as opportunities will come their way. But he’s still backing the England international to play an important role going forward.

“It’s been asked quite a lot about the variety of midfield players when we were going through the transfer window,” Cooper said. “It gives us options and certain things for certain games.

“We hadn’t won for six games so you’re always looking for little solutions. You want to put a plan together. Harry’s a really important player for us and has had a big impact since he’s been here. And I’m sure that will be the case going forward.

“But we’ve got other players in every position that can have an impact. It’s a good example of being ready. It’s a good example that opportunities will come. That’s the nature of modern football. Sometimes there are changes.”

With Ndidi deeper, Jordan Ayew came into the side, and while it initially looked like he would play on the right wing with Facundo Buonanotte central, they swapped early. From the right, Buonanotte made a big impact, dancing around Bournemouth players and scoring the game’s only goal.

“He’s a talented young guy and I’ve been fortunate to work with a lot of players his age of a similar talent,” Cooper said on the Brighton loanee. “You’ve got to get the right programme for them in terms of when they play and when they don’t, the education programme off the pitch.

“He’s come to a new country with Brighton, I know he’s been there a little while, but now he’s come to another part of England with new team-mates. He’s a really talented young guy, he’s got a really good attitude to the game.

“He’s aggressive and risk-taking on the ball and for a creative player, he really puts in a defensive effort as well. We’re enjoying working with him. We know he can make a difference in games.”

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