Leicester City have ‘absolutely superb’ prospect who won’t give opponents a moment’s peace as they’re considering his appointment
Brandon Cover arrived on loan at Port Vale with just one senior appearance to his name, but he’s been thrown straight in under Darren Moore and has quickly looked at home
Leicester City prospect Brandon Cover was hailed as “absolutely superb” as he continues to make a telling impact on loan at Port Vale.
The 20-year-old defensive midfielder/right-back has started all three League Two matches for Port Vale since heading to Staffordshire on deadline day. Despite his inexperience, his displays have earned rave reviews.
Cover made his City debut in the FA Cup last season but that was the only senior appearance he had to his name before joining Vale. But thanks to his aggression and physicality, he has quickly settled in, and had his best game yet as Vale beat Chesterfield 1-0 at the weekend.
Port Vale correspondent Mike Baggaley picks up the story: It was as much about what didn’t happen as what did. Vale were up against a side expected to be one of the best in the division and on Chesterfield’s left flank was James Berry, the winger who had just been nominated for League Two player of the month.
Having to deal with him was Brandon Cover, the 20-year-old on-loan Leicester defender making only the third league appearance of his career. Advantage Chesterfield? Mayhem on Vale’s right? Not at all as it turned out because Cover shut down every threat on that flank, both while Berry was on the pitch and then after the winger was subbed with half an hour to go.
Cover was one of the least-heralded of Vale’s summer signings, the youngster arriving on deadline day as a player who could play as a defensive midfielder or full-back so perhaps would be useful to have in the squad in case of injuries. Instead he went straight into the side and hasn’t looked back. Let’s not tempt fate just three games into his Vale career but no wonder Darren Moore was full of praise when I asked him about the youngster after Saturday’s game.
He said: “I think we have got a really good player, a quality player. I thought the way he looked after him (Berry) was absolutely superb, he didn’t give him a minute’s peace. That’s Brandon, he has that capability. But also on the ball he brings that calmness and assurance.
“But the biggest thing for me, which I can share with everyone, is he is such a humble individual. That adds to the character and the behaviour we want at the club. He can feel really pleased with his performance and we are really pleased to have him here.”
