Patson Daka’s 2024-25 campaign at Leicester City has been a far cry from the promise he showed earlier in his career, with the Zambian striker enduring a frustrating season that has left fans and pundits questioning his impact at the club.
Since his arrival in England in 2021, Daka’s performances have failed to meet the high expectations set following his impressive spell at RB Salzburg.
During the 2020-2021 season, Daka was one of Europe’s most exciting forward talents, netting 34 goals and providing seven assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.
His success in Austria earned him a move to the Premier League, where he was expected to continue his upward trajectory. However, his time at Leicester has seen a significant drop in form.
This season, Daka’s output has been minimal. With just two assists to his name and a solitary goal scored in December against West Ham United, his contributions have been disappointing for both the player and the club.
The goal, which came in a 3-1 victory on Matchday 14, has remained his only strike in the league this term, marking a stark contrast to the prolific performances that earned him his big move to England.
The 26-year-old forward’s struggles to adapt to life in the Premier League have raised questions about his future at Leicester. In the four seasons since his arrival, Daka has netted 22 goals across all competitions, a tally that has not lived up to the expectations set when he joined.
His lack of consistency has been compounded by Leicester’s ongoing battle to find their form, with the club’s struggles this season further highlighting his own lack of impact.
The difference between Daka’s performances in Austria and England is glaring. At Salzburg, he was a key player in a high-scoring team, consistently finding the back of the net and contributing to the team’s success.
In contrast, his time at Leicester has seen him struggle to find rhythm, with the striker often appearing sidelined in key moments.
Leicester City, once a formidable force in the Premier League, is also undergoing a challenging period. With eight matches remaining in the current season, the club is fighting to return to the heights it once enjoyed, but Daka’s struggles have only added to the team’s difficulties.
As Leicester aim to rebuild, the pressure is mounting on Daka to justify his place in the squad and prove his worth to manager and fans alike.
As the season winds down, it remains to be seen whether Daka can turn things around and rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents.
For now, he will need to focus on making a tangible impact in Leicester’s remaining fixtures to regain confidence and secure his future at the club.
