Burnley FC manager, Vincent Kompany, has explained why his decision to sign Lyle Foster six months early is paying off.
The former Manchester City captain, Kompany brought some changes to Burnley since joining the club back in June 2022; at the beginning of the Championship season.
One of Kompany’s noticeable changes was bringing young players into the Burnley side, which was relegated from the Premier League last campaign.
And one of the youngsters signed by Kompany was Bafana Bafana striker, Lyle Foster.
According to LancsLive, an English publication, Foster’s move was supposedly meant to take place in July this year. However, Burnley decided otherwise, and brought Foster six months early.
It has not been a great start to life at Burnley for Foster. But his coach Kompany has continued to show faith in the striker.
Foster put in a good performance against Rotherham United on Tuesday, and Kompany had nothing but praise for his January signing. The game was Foster’s third consecutive league start since he arrived at Burnley in January from Belgian side Westerlo.
The coach revealed why he chose to bring the ex-Orlando Pirates striker Foster six months early to the club and how the decision is paying off.
KOMPANY ON WHY HE CHOSE TO SIGN FOSTER SIX MONTHS EARLY
“He’s [Foster] been constantly improving his game, and that’s the reason why we got him six months before,” said Kompany.
“Just like Ameen Al-Dakhil, that was exactly the point, and it’s valuable game time for them and seeing them improve, for me, it’s something that makes me confident.
“Foster’s quality is receiving between the lines, turning, progressing forward and able to retain balls under pressure, that’s his quality and he can run in behind as well. He’s got pace.
“But it’s just a case of having the right profile and he has the right profile. You’re looking for growth, is he better today than he was? Asked Kompany.
Kompany also mentioned that seeing progress from Foster and Co. is more important than rushing to win the title.
He highlighted the importance of Foster and the rest of the fringe players getting more game time, especially now towards the end of the season.
“Seeing Lyle making progress, seeing Al-Dakhil making some progress, you can’t underestimate how valuable it is for the start of our next season,” added the Burnley tactician.
“And that is our priority, that is the only thing that matters. Obviously getting the title and silverware but I still feel that every time we have played, we have had a strong team.
“We could have won every game that we have played, so I have no concerns, it is important for us to see these guys,” concluded Kompany
WHAT AWAITS THE BAFANA STAR, FOSTER THIS WEEKEND
Foster and his side will take on QPR at home on Sunday, 22 April 2023. A win will see Burnley get crowned the second-tier league champions having already secured promotion back to the Premier League earlier in April.
RELATED STORY: Burnley FC fans react to Lyle Foster’s performance
