Lyle Foster has been a revelation for Burnley FC since their promotion to the topflight, and his stats reveal his vital role at Turf Moor, writes Bongani Malunga.
The South African striker made his return from a three-match suspension with a goal against fellow newcomers Luton Town in the Premier League recently.
The club could not find the back of the net during the Bafana Bafana star’s spell on the sidelines for a three-match suspension for violent conduct.
As a result, they are still languishing in the relegation zone with only four points to their name.
His return, however, boosted the club’s drive for a first league win of the season. Burnley is one of the league’s lowest-scoring teams, with six goals. His absence made the club’s attacking department struggle much more as they couldn’t convert their chances. They dominated possession in the match against Manchester United but couldn’t get goals.
LYLE FOSTER’S STATS
Foster is Burnley’s top scorer in the Premier League, with three goals and two assists so far this season. The striker accounts for 83 per cent of Burnley’s goals this season, as he has directly contributed to five of their six league goals. He found the back of the net against Aston Villa and struck against Tottenham Hotspur. His most recent goal was against Luton in a game they won 2-1.
Foster also provided an assist in the club’s 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest and in the 4-1 loss to Chelsea. He also had a goal disallowed against Forest, which drew a lot of debate as many felt the refereeing decision was controversial.
With five goal contributions so far, he has underlined his importance to the club in the season’s early stages. His suspension came when the club was on the up after registering their first Premier League point. Although Foster has proved clinical in front of goal, his work rate and ability to occupy other wide areas is a significant plus for the team.
WHAT VINCENT KOMPANY SAID ABOUT LYLE FOSTER’S IMPACT
Vincent Kompany has tipped the Soweto-born star to become a top striker in the EPL.
“Lyle has had a massive impact on the team this season. Anytime he plays, he looks a threat. And I’m sure he will look back at this game and think he is on the way to hopefully being a good striker in this league.
“As a manager, you give credit to the players when they do well. And you take responsibility when they don’t, and that’s the nature of the job.”
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