Danny Drinkwater
English former professional footballer, Premier League winner with Leicester City.
Daniel Noel Drinkwater (born 5 March 1990) is an English former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. Having come through the youth academy at Manchester United, he 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 for the London-based club, 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.
Quick Facts
- Full name
- Daniel Noel Drinkwater
- Born
- 5 March 1990
- Birthplace
- Manchester, England
- Height
- 1.78 m / 5 ft 10 in
- Position
- Midfielder
- Total caps
- 325
Lore & Background
Born in Manchester, Drinkwater joined the Manchester United academy at the age of nine, progressing through the ranks before earning a trainee contract in July 2006. He had loan spells at Huddersfield Town, Cardiff City, Watford and Barnsley before joining Leicester City in January 2012. At Leicester, he was named Championship Player of the Month for December 2013, nominated for the Championship Player of the Year Award, 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 scored his first top-flight goal on 23 January 2016, to open a 3–0 win over Stoke City. He signed for Chelsea in September 2017 for £35 million, making his debut in the EFL Cup in October 2017. He scored his first and only goal for Chelsea on 30 December 2017 in a 5–0 win over Stoke City. He spent loans at Burnley, Aston Villa, Kasımpaşa and Reading. He announced his retirement on 30 October 2023, aged 33.
Reader's Guide
Drinkwater scored his first Premier League goal on 23 January 2016, opening a 3–0 win over Stoke City at the King Power Stadium.
Did You Know?
- He made his England senior debut on 29 March 2016 in a 2–1 loss to the Netherlands.
- He was part of Leicester City's Premier League title-winning team in 2015–16.
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