After featuring for the first time in several months, Will Alves is confident that he is gradually working his way back to full match fitness. His return to action came as Leicester City’s Development Squad secured a place in the knockout stages of the Premier League Cup with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Brentford.
The victory marked an impressive turnaround for the young Foxes, who suffered defeats in their first three group stage matches before rallying to clinch a spot in the round of 16. Reflecting on the team’s achievement, Alves expressed his elation, stating, “It’s a brilliant feeling. I think the lads started off slowly, but winning three games on the bounce in this competition has been really good for us.”
Alves also emphasized the collective effort of the team, acknowledging the resilience and perseverance that had been pivotal in their success. “To qualify, it’s a great achievement for all the boys as well. The way that the lads have dug in and how we’ve performed in this competition has been really good in the later stages. We’re just looking forward to the next round now,” he said.
Recovering from a previous injury, Alves mentioned that he has been dealing with setbacks following his return. In particular, he had to overcome anterior cruciate ligament damage, making his appearance in the game a significant milestone in his recovery. “I thought I did well; it was just nice to be out there playing again, really. Obviously, I’ve struggled to be on the pitch recently, and just being able to play 60 minutes and get through it fine, is a great feeling for myself,” Alves stated.
The 18-year-old midfielder expressed his determination to continually improve, mentioning his intention to gain more match fitness and sharpen his skills through additional playing time and training. “I’m just going to keep pushing, getting sharper and sharper and in a better condition as well, just playing more minutes and looking forward to the next games and training as well,” he added.
Alves’ return to the pitch not only represents a personal achievement but also underscores his commitment to contributing to the team’s success. With his sights set on regaining his form and building his stamina, Alves remains focused on the journey ahead, eager to make a meaningful impact for Leicester City’s Development Squad.