Erik Pieters hopes Danny Drinkwater is given the opportunity to show what an asset he can be for Burnley during the remainder of his loan spell.
The midfielder finally made his Premier League debut for the Clarets four months after joining from Chelsea and three months after suffering an ankle injury in an incident outside a Manchester nightclub.
Drinkwater was thrust into the side for Tuesday night’s 4-1 defeat against Manchester City but struggled to have much effect on the game and was substituted after less than an hour.
The 29-year-old did show glimpses of the talent that made him a key part of Leicester’s Premier League title-winning side but few of his attempted passes and flicks came off.
It was, admittedly, a very tough game for Drinkwater to make his first Premier League start since March 2018, and full-back Pieters said: “I’m really happy for him.
“He’s waited for a long time to be in the team and I’m happy for him to get his first performance in. He would have been happier if we got a result I’m sure, but at least he got his first minutes in with us. Hopefully he can continue.
“It takes time but that’s normal, he didn’t play for a while, but he’s looking good, he’s feeling well. He’s a great guy, he’s funny, he fits perfectly.
“Everyone can see he’s great on the ball, good passing, strong on the ball as well. And he brings calm in the team so hopefully he can get a couple more games to show it to us and show it to everyone.”
Drinkwater’s loan ends on January 6, with no indication as yet that Burnley might look to extend it.
His chance came because of an injury to Ashley Westwood and a change in shape from manager Sean Dyche, who pushed Jeff Hendrick further forward in a 4-4-1-1 formation.
Westwood could be back for Saturday’s clash with Tottenham, so Drinkwater may have to bide his time for another chance to impress.
Commenting on Drinkwater’s performance, Dyche said: “He stuck at it and we know he needs football, everyone knows he needs football. We weren’t expecting him to run the show by any means but he does need football and how do you get him football unless he plays?”
The Clarets slipped to 11th ahead of Wednesday night’s games, with City choosing Turf Moor to make a statement after their disappointing draw with Newcastle at the weekend.
“It was a tough game,” said Pieters. “They were right on it. A great first goal of course and then second half an early goal as well, so it’s going to be difficult. They’re still a great team. You can do better but it’s just one of those days. We were not top level and City can punish you.”
Things do not get easier for Burnley, with a trip to White Hart Lane to come on Saturday.
Tottenham have been resurgent under new manager Jose Mourinho, and Pieters added: “Spurs are a good team and Mourinho’s a great manager. If the connection is there then it’s going to be great for them but hopefully not on Saturday.
“There’s no easy game in the Premier League no matter who you play. You have to fight really hard and you have to do the basics really well and go from there. I think everyone can’t wait to go and perform on Saturday.”
