Leicester's ascending star Daka idolises Vardy and could go from super-sub to starting ace

He scored his first goal for the club against Manchester United in the Premier League and then netted four in the Europa League group match against Spartak Moscow.

More recently, he came off from the bench, and contributed to the 2-1 win over Brentford, squaring to James Maddison for a tap-in. A true super-sub.

The 23-year-old joined the Foxes after a four-year spell at Red Bull Salzburg, where he managed 68 goals and 27 assists in 125 appearances.

Daka will most likely be included in Brendon Rodgers starting XI in the Carabao Cup clash against Brighton due to an injury to Jamie Vardy, and the forward will be geared up to continue displaying his excellence.

You've got the basics down, but here are five things you may not know about Leicester's new star forward…

FOOTBALL IN HIS BLOOD

Daka's father, Nathtali played as a winger for Zambia's Kafue-based Nitrogen Stars and was very much involved in his son's football education.

Daka senior used to take his son to train with the Kafue Celtic junior teams, challenging the club's director Lee Kawanu that the young striker would become a star one day.

Kawanu said: "The background is that his father used to be a football player.

"He was a very quick winger with a lot of speed. I guess that is where he [Daka] got the talent from.

"The earliest memory I have of him is when his dad used to bring him to the pitch and he used to say: 'this boy will make you happy and he will be a star."

THE AGENT

Daka's agent has been a busy man this year, bringing the 23-year old over to Leicester on a five-year deal, a decision that Daka will appreciate over the years.

And his representative is none other than former Tottenham and West Ham player Frédéric Kanouté.

The Mali international had a two-year stint at Spurs, scoring 22 goals in 73 appearances, before being sold to Sevilla in 2005.

Kanoute has been tracking Daka's talents since his teens and has been helping out with his career development.

Thanks to Kanoute's assistance and Daka's skill he was able to flourish at Red Bull Salzburg and earn his move Leicester.

GAFFER'S APPROVAL

Leicester manager, Brendon Rodgers has been impressed with his new forward's performances and has likened Daka's style of play to that of Jamie Vardy.

Rodgers said: "His strengths are what you saw the other night [against Spartak Moscow].

"He plays on the shoulder, he wants to run in behind and he's a natural goalscorer. You can see that in him, very much like Jamie in terms of his movements.

"Patson's in a great position to learn from someone like Jamie, he's watching him every day and even without speaking, you can see that he's looking at his movements and he's learning and developing from being here in the environment."

And speaking of the Foxes' No.9, Daka revealed that the striker is one of his idols.

Daka said: "Jamie Vardy is one of the players I look up to because of his playing style and the qualities that he has.

"He's been one of my inspirations, I'm sure you can tell with the play style I have. It's kind of similar to him.

"I'm so excited to be able to have this opportunity to be next to him and to learn from him. It's just a privilege for me."

THE FIRST POST

Daka is an active man on social media and has been sharing his footballing journey since 2015.

His first post takes us back to his Nchanga Rangers days where he was on a one-year loan before joining his second loan club, Power Dynamos.

One fan commented "Life is for sure a process.. You have come a long way Daka."

Daka has indeed come a long way, fast forward to present times and the 23-year-old posted his commendable performance against Brentford with the caption "Hard fought victory."

The image portrays Daka's goal celebration, placing his hand over his face with Maddison striking the same pose.

And, in a tweet, Daka explained the religious meaning behind his celebration.

THE AWARDS

Daka currently has eight individual honours to his name including Zambia Sportsman of the Year and Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations Best Player, and we are sure his trophy cabinet will be near enough full in the coming years

His first award was the 2014 Zambia Super League Young Player of the Year, which he won once again in 2016.

Daka then went on to receive the CAF Youth Player of the Year in 2017 after displaying his talents in the Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations for his nation.

And last season the 23-year-old was named Austrian Bundesliga Player of the Season and top scorer after registering 27 goals in 28 games.

His tally helped the club win their fourth successive league title.