Danny Drinkwater

Lore & Background

Drinkwater came through the youth academy at Manchester United and spent time on loan with Huddersfield Town, Cardiff City, Watford and Barnsley. He moved to Leicester City in 2012, where he was part of Leicester’s side that was promoted to the top flight and later part of their Premier League title-winning team in 2015. After moving to Chelsea in 2017 and making few appearances, he spent the remainder of his career on loan at Burnley, Aston Villa, Kasımpaşa and Reading. He departed Chelsea in June 2022 following the expiration of his contract. Drinkwater also played internationally for England at under-18, under-19 and senior levels, winning three caps in 2016 for the latter whilst a Leicester player.

In Their Own Story

King Power, midweek, February 2016. The floodlights hum their low electric note over a pitch that has seen too many defeats this season to count. Drinkwater lines up in the centre circle, boots planted, eyes scanning the opposition back line. The kick-off is his. He takes two touches, turns, and finds the ball in his feet with that particular, almost aggressive possession. A pass to the left, a quick turn, and then—there it is—the moment. An opponent surges forward, and Drinkwater doesn't hesitate. He steps in, shoulder first, and the ball pops free. He doesn't celebrate. He doesn't look up. He's already turning, already scanning for the next phase, already running back into position as if the tackle was the least interesting thing that happened in the last ten seconds. Around him, the away end is quiet. The home end is a low, steady roar. And somewhere in the tunnel, a manager nods once, because the engine is still turning, still grinding, still holding the whole machine together while the world outside King Power slowly, incredulously, begins to believe.

Reader's Guide

Drinkwater joined Manchester United's academy at age nine, progressed through the ranks, and had loan spells at Huddersfield Town, Cardiff City, Watford, and Barnsley before joining Leicester City in January 2012. He was named Championship Player of the Month for December 2013, nominated for Championship Player of the Year, and named to the PFA Championship Team of the Year as Leicester won promotion to the Premier League. He played consistently as Leicester won the Premier League title in 2015–16. He signed for Chelsea in September 2017 for £35 million, but made few appearances and was loaned to Burnley, Aston Villa, Kasımpaşa, and Reading. He retired on 30 October 2023, aged 33.

Did You Know?

• Drinkwater scored his first top-flight goal on 23 January 2016 in a 3–0 win over Stoke City.
• He was named man of the match on his England senior debut in a 2–1 loss to the Netherlands in March 2016.
• ESPN named Drinkwater's move to Chelsea as the second-worst transfer in Premier League history in May 2020.