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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
James Nursey

Youri Tielemans branded "naive" as Leicester City love affair looks likely to conclude

Youri Tielemans' place in Leicester folklore is assured but many more nights like Wednesday could tarnish his reputation as the ace's contract ticks down.

The Belgian midfielder’s screamer won the FA Cup for Leicester for the first time.

There was a nod to that famous goal when home fans urged him to “shoot” every time he got the ball outside the box against Spurs on Wednesday night.

Leicester supporters rightly cherish the memories of Tielemans downing Chelsea at Wembley.

But concerns are growing their midfield playmaker might not be around for much longer.

Will Youri Tielemans leave Leicester City in the summer? (REUTERS)

He has 18 months to run on his contract but little progress has been made over an extension since talks opened nearly a year ago.

The star was uncharacteristically sloppy with a crazy loose pass straight up the middle of the pitch which was intercepted for Spurs' dramatic injury-time winner in their astonishing 3-2 triumph.

Fuming boss Brendan Rodgers said: "The third goal, Youri knows you can never make that pass. It was really naive."

Pundit Peter Crouch went further describing Tielemans' pass, which was cut out , as "suicide" as Spurs broke to seal an incredible win which is the latest time a side has ever come from behind to win in the Premier League.

Tielemans will still surely remain one of the first names on Leicester's team-sheet nevertheless.

But it puts the ace under the microscope with Leicester facing the tough decision of potentially selling Tielemans, this summer or risk losing him for nothing in 2023.

Tielemans has been coy over his future and is keeping his options open having been linked to bigger clubs, including Arsenal.

Rodgers revealed recently he even is planning for the future without Tielemans.

The Belgian made his presence felt from the start against Spurs by dispossessing Lucas Moura inside the first minute as he patrolled the central midfield area.

When there was a break in play , Rodgers, who has previously described Tielemans as like a coach on the pitch, stopped by the technical area for a drink and a pep-talk.

Youri Tielemans of Leicester City is challenged by Lucas Moura of Tottenham Hotspur (Getty Images)

But Tielemans, who has 47 international caps, showed little of his experience or trademark composure in a frantic finale as sub Steven Bergwijn struck twice in stoppage time, with his second almost straight from the re-start.

Rodgers added: "Normally if a team does score we normally go direct to see if we can catch the backline celebrating.

"We certainly don't run through the middle of the pitch and pass to any of the bodies.

"Youri knows that but is obviously keen to get to the goal quickly trying to get something from the game.

"You have to settle for a point at that stage if the time is virtually up."

With no shortage of suitors, the question facing the Foxes is whether Tielemans' time at the King Power is now also almost up.

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