Monday 18 August 2014 17:46, UK
Leicester boss Nigel Pearson says Leonardo Ulloa can handle the pressure of being the club’s record signing.
The Argentinian striker joined City in July after a superb season for Brighton in the Championship.
And he scored his first goal for the club in Saturday’s Premier League opener against Everton, which finished 2-2 at the King Power Stadium.
Ulloa was a menace to the Everton back four throughout and Pearson was delighted with his new signing.
"I think he showed a lot of qualities,” he said. "His strength and his work-rate will probably have surprised a few people. He's a real team player and I think our players have very quickly recognised his strengths.
"When you become a club's record signing there is an added pressure that goes with that, but he handles that very well.
"The perception in terms of the value is probably measured differently externally to what I do. I'm very pleased for Leo because he is a focal point in terms of how we play, he's got a good goalscoring record and I'm pleased he's got off the mark."
Ulloa's goal cancelled out Aiden McGeady's opener less than two minutes after Everton had taken the lead.
The Toffees went back ahead just before half-time through Steven Naismith but Leicester secured a point four minutes from time thanks to substitute Chris Wood.
Wood's goal was created by midfielder Riyad Mahrez, whose trickery caught the eye throughout the match.
The 23-year-old joined Leicester from Le Havre in January and his performances over the second half of last season earned him a spot in Algeria's World Cup squad.
Pearson said: "When you consider the progression he's had in the last 12 months, it would be very easy to ask too much of somebody like him.
"He's joined us as a relative unknown and been selected for Algeria in the World Cup and now finds himself playing in the Premier League.
"He's a talented boy, there's no doubt about that, but my job is to make sure I protect my players.
"I've got no doubt he can deliver in the Premier League but I also understand where he's at as a young man learning his trade. He's not going to be able to perform miracles week in, week out."
