“To build a good team, you need to build a good defense first”

It is a common phrase you get to hear every now and then in footballing circles. When Leicester sold Maguire near the very end of summer transfer window, their fans feared yet another season of mediocrity. But Brendan Rodgers has done a phenomenal job since taking over late last season as they sit 4th after 8 games played, having faced 4 of last season’s top 6 teams. With the tough run of fixtures finally giving way, we present you a brief analysis of Leicester under Rodgers.

TACTICAL APPROACH :

Under Rodgers, Leicester have primarily deployed multiple versions of 4-3-3 base formation with 4-1-4-1 being the most used one. They play a possession-based game with quick passing and very high intensity pressing off the ball. Their desire and effectiveness to win the ball back quickly can be judged from the fact that they lead the league in both, the total number of tackles attempted (270) as well as tackles won (177). With the ball, both fullbacks roam high up the pitch swapping lanes with wingers. In midfield, the single holding midfielder does the ugly work behind the scenes with 2 creative players ready to carry the ball forwards and feed the lone striker up top.

Squad Analysis :

Leicester ended summer transfer window with the additions of Perez (add versatility to their attack), Praet (talented creative backup in midfield) and the acquisition of Tielemans on permanent basis.

Rodgers has a largely young squad of highly promising players with experienced pros like Vardy, Schmeichel and Evans at his disposal. While Schmeichel has been as dependable as ever, in Evans they have got a perfect foil to partner and mentor the young Soyuncu.

The timing of Maguire’s transfer left them short on time to buy apt replacements without being held at ransom over price. Rodgers decided to show faith in young Soyuncu and the latter grabbed the opportunity with both hands. The Turkish center back has been a revelation this season showing great tenacity in tackling , intercepting and marking his man. He is ball playing defender who has not been shy of showing his skills on the ball and is slowly starting to become a fan’s favorite at the King Power stadium.

In Pereira and Chilwell they have an excellent pair of fullbacks who are equally adept at attacking as well as defending. While Chilwell is good at creating chances from his crossing, Pereira is more direct with his raw pace and on the ball skills. The Portuguese, who looked like a square peg in round hole at left back earlier last season, has improved tremendously in terms of defensive abilities, being voted Leicester’s player of the season for 2018-19.

Pereira and Ndidi both lead the league this season for total number of successful tackles made (35 each). An unsung hero in holding midfield, Ndidi attempted the most tackles in premier league last season (142) and had the most recoveries (324) to his name. He has been a perfect shield in front of their defence whenever their fullbacks have been caught up out of position high upfield. He has immensely improved on this passing game and the Triumvirate of Maddison, Tielemans and Ndidi has been a revelation for the Foxes.

The creative pair of Maddison and Tielemans have developed a great understanding amongst each other as well as Vardy. Both are very good in their off the ball movements as well as having an eye for goal. Maddison was the highest chance creator in the league last season (100).

They have skillful wingers in Barnes and Perez (not really a natural winger) who both can prove to be a handful on their day. Perez has developed a strong connection with Pereira, interchanging lanes while the latter comes up during the buildup/attacking phase. He is a very streaky player who is well adept at finding the net once he gets going.

Vardy meanwhile has found prime form under Rodgers with 14 goals in 18 matches since the former took over in February last year, more than any other premier league player during the same period. The 32year old forward is not showing any signs of slowing down.

Players like Choudhury and Praet have also proved to be valuable options coming off the bench.

From fantasy perspective Vardy, Maddison, Pereira, Soyuncu, Barnes are the players worth considering.

Future prospects and Conclusion :

In their next 9 fixtures, Leicester only face 1 of top 6:

BUR (H), SOU (A), CRY (A), ARS (H), BHA (A), EVE (H), WAT (H), AVL (A), NOR (H)

The infographic below clearly depicts the turn of fixtures for the Foxes



Defensively , the average of shots on target as well as chances created by opponents is lower for the teams they are to face in the upcoming weeks.

Whereas, in terms of attacking returns, the average of total shots conceded as well as total chances conceded metrics both show a significant increase for the upcoming opponents.

Need we say more!

With such fixtures at hand, Rodgers will be looking at building up pressure on Chelsea, Arsenal, ManU and Tottenham in their quest for a spot in top 6.

It’s time to identify and snap up the right Fox in the box!

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