My synopsis of this years Squad

[Hack]

My synopsis of our squad and team so far for season 17/18

 

I felt it worthy of doing a review/preview of our players in category of position as they are at 4^th of August 17.  I also am in putting order the players I expect to be selected in their positions.

So let’s start with the

 Forwards.

1^st and easily so is Jamie Vardy.  The heart soul and determination of the team. No matter whether we play 1 up top of 3, he starts if fit.  What he has done and means to this team since arriving is nothing short of remarkable. It is no accident that he is a near fixture in the national team as well.  Feed him and he will score.  His work effort is second to none and makes he loved by all.  I would say even if we signed Zlatan Vardy is selected before him. He deserves all the opportunity we can give him.  A Leicester legend.

 

2^nd picked and now an almost automatic starter is Kelechi Iheanacho.  This kid if not a star yet is not far away.  We Have got ourselves a winner with this kid.  He came here to get more playing and playing time I am sure he will get.  Sitting either next to the main striker or just behind the striker(s) KI is going to be a creative and dynamic force with us going forward. The pace and skill of Kelechi with Vardy is going to drive defenses nuts. Can’t wait to see him play in Leicester blue.  Prediction is 15 goals this season.

 

3^rd Islam Slimani is only just 3^rd choice.  Actually, I can see us often playing a formation with all 3 playing at the same time, with Slimani leading the line with Vardy working hard both going forward and tracking back as he does and KI sitting in the whole.  If we are brave enough to have all 3 in the starting lineup we are going to score.  Only to see if the midfield and defense can make sure we don’t let in more than we score.  Slimani didn’t have the sort of season that we expected f such a high profile signing.  But he does have the class and skill worthy of his hefty price and expectation.  I am sure if we use he well and enough he will be a big time scorer for us. I hope we can play Vardy, Slimani and KI front line.

 

4^th Shinji Okazaki. I think it is Shinji’s place that is most threatened by the signing of Keleachi not Slimani. Shinji has been fantastic for us.  He never quits and gives his absolute all for the team which makes him a team favourite both to the players and fans who appreciate that effort.  Shinji just seems to lack that little bit of class, skill and finishing that would make him a star. That final product in the top ¼ of the field is what frustrates us fans and I am sure himself and the coaches. His life going forward for us I believe is coming off the bench and bringing that huge amount of energy and effort against a tiring defense.  Could be just the thing for both Shinji and the team. Otherwise I can see us moving him potentially if this doesn’t suit him or the team. I am sure he will start a lot in cup games, but unless injury comes to play that would be his role.

 

5^th Leonardo Ulloa. Has played an important role for us for a number of years, helping get us back into the PL and scoring some very important goals for us in our premiership winning year. But just like Shinji seems to lack that class of a top Premier League striker.  Bench role or moved on is all I can see for Leo at Leicester.

 

 

Wingers

I am separating wingers from forwards and midfielders.

 

1^st Riyad Marhez is an automatic starter just like Jamie Vardy is and has at least the same level of importance to the team that Jamie has, if not more.  If he is still here at the deadline then he will play every game and deservedly so. He is a superstar. Yes he had an indifferent season compared to the League winning year.  But he is class personified. Those bagging him, have no idea how good and important he is to us.  If he can get motivated with a front line of JV, IS, KI with him also chimming in and crosses supplied by Marc Albrighton we could be a dominant scoring team. I really truly want to see a top 5 of Vardy, Slmiani, Iheanacho, Marhez and Albrighton.  How hard would that be to cover and mark for any defense? This is how we should start at least at home in my opinion.

 

2^nd is Marc Albrighton.  I really think he is the most underrated player in our team. Who else in the premier league crosses as well and as often as Albrighton?  How he has not at least been in the England squad for what he brings is beyond me. He never lets us down and at times shows a level of skill beyond what we think he has. Every team needs a Marc Albrighton, we have ours and I am glad he is ours.

 

3^rd Demari Grey. Kid could be anything as long as he is both patient and disciplined. Has the potential class and skill to be a permanent fixture in the England setup, probably like if fit Theo Walcott could have been or better than Oxlade-Chamberlain. Greedy yes, selfish, yes and this is why he is down the pecking order.  Mature and get smart and work hard on team work and he will be a world beater. Heir apparent to Marhez!  Need I say more.

 

4^th Ahmed Musa came to us with fans expecting him to share leading the line with Vardy then moved to wing and never got it together. I am sure he has the skill and class to go with his speed.  If he can get it all together running at defenses with the speed of KI and Vardy as well, look out.  But he is going to have to earn his playing time and show real skill and class when he gets his chance and I think he will both get the chances and make the most of them and put pressure on Albrighton and Grey.

 

5^th Tom Lawrance.  If he stays with the team I see him being used principally as a winger and maybe in the hole if we play that position. Clearly has something about him that is intriguing and has suitors from the Championship offering a lot more than we paid. He may very well have what it takes to be a player in the Premier League but needs his chance and needs to earn it.

 

Midfielders

We have a plethora of midfielders and debatable that we have enough Premier League class in this area of the team.

 

1^st Danny Drinkwater to me still is the first midfielder picked. He has been that important to us and I do think is a class player (especially if the rumours are true that Chelsea are sniffing around him). He was amazing in our winning year. Just like Riyad the skill and class is still there, just needs the motivation to show it every game and season. Another near fixture in the national team and rightly so.  If he wants to continue to be then he needs to play like that strong for us, otherwise he will never play for England again, hopefully that is motivation enough.  He deserves to start until someone else shows he doesn’t.

 

2^nd Wilfred Ndidi showed in the second half of the season he really could be the replacement for N’golo Kante. If anyone can replace the little Frenchman. He was amazing for such a young player.  No one can say that he is not class and worthy of playing in this league. A year older and wiser for the experience I expect a great season from him.

 

3^rd Vicente Iborra is an unknown to us.  Had a great career in Spain and captained his side and I really like having leaders in the side.  He is smart and hardworking and reported to be versatile. Can be strong in defense and move forward and pass and be creative. Great squad player and potential starter.

 

4^th I know I will get a lot of push back but next will be Andy King.  He has been an amazing servant to the team his whole career. Yes he does not have the class and skill of an Oscar which is what ever team wants but he clearly is important to the team and is loved by the club and coaching staff.  I hope he turns the clock back to those years he was a star for us (yes I know in the championship)

 

5^th Matty James/Nemalys Mendy are interchangeable here. Both have been very unlucky with significant injuries. James looks to be getting back to full fitness and I am sure all fans would love to see him gets his chance to play.  He has skill especially his passing ability which is very much needed for this team, but until we see him in real action, hard to know what to expect.

Same goes for Mendy.  This poor fellow has had no luck almost being injured from the time we got him.  No one should knock him as no one has really seen him play enough to make an opinion either way.  He looked great in France and the team hoped he would fit right in to Kante’s place.  Well maybe he can.  Let’s hope we see what he really has.

 

6^th Daniel Amartey.  I am actually going to talk about him as a defender. Harvey Barnes. LCFC’s own potential wunderkind. Not sure this year is the year he is going to see minutes for LCFC.  Hope if he is not sent on loan he gets time off the bench or in cup games.

 

Defenders 

Defense is the area most would say we have the most challenge with Premier league class players.

 

1^st Harry McGuire is likely to be the first defender picked (well the fans do I am sure). Whether we have a back 3 or 4 or 5, McGuire will be in the starting lineup.  Kid has it all to have a John Terry type career. Enough said.

 

2^nd The captain Wes Morgan.  A year older and maybe a year slower, but while he can play he plays as the captain of the side.  He is that important to the team.  A fit Wes Morgan is a cert for the starting team.

 

3^rd Robert Huth just like Wes just the German version of what I said above. Are they both up to the standard needed in this much stronger league than 2 years ago when they were instrumental in our Trophy win? But I am sure the management will give them every chance to keep their spots until they prove they are no longer worthy.

 

4^th and 5^th Christian Fuchs and Danny Simpson are automatic in these spots and are interchangeable. Both have been incredibly important for us and are very good player.  Very different style to each other, but if we are going to play wingbacks then these guys are first choice.

I say if we play wing backs, because the way we are constructed up top I would love to see us play 3 at the back and run out in a 3-2-3-2. 2 DM’s 2 wingers KI in the hole and Vardy and Slimani up top.

Probably just a dream.

 

6^th Yohan Benalouane. Benny does a good job for us. He was very patient in getting his chance and did a very good job when he did.  Great depth guy for cover at CB, but not the guy you want to play week in and week out as your starter.

 

7^th Daniel Amartey to me is cover for both Danny Simpson at RB and potentially the heir apparent for Wes at CB.  He has size, skill and pace.  Still very young and needs more experience and knowledge of the game, but could be a great player in years to come.  I am a believer.

 

8^th Ben Chilwell is the obvious heir to Fuchs.  Maybe he could even move up field and play as a winger, just like Bale did for Spurs.  Chilwell has a good career ahead of himself with us and I am sure he will be a long term class act for us.

 

Keepers.

 

1^st Kasper Schmeichel is a world top ten keeper and is just that important for us.  If we were to lose him it would be almost impossible to replace with someone of his class and character. Walk up starter for any team he plays for and he plays for us!

 

2^nd Eldin Jakupovic. Welcome to the team. All things being said he did a very good job for Hull and seems to be a great pickup as backup to Kasper a role he knows he will play. A worthy deputy.

 

3^rd Ben Hamer great for us to have a very decent and capable 3^rd choice keeper.

 

 

Thanks for putting up with this very long synopsis hoping it creates lots of conversation especially about formation and selection.  It will get more complex if we make more moves in the market before early sept. tell me where you think we will strengthen if we do at all.

 

[SheppyFox]

I'd love to see JV KI & IS on at the same time

[Nick]

26 minutes ago, SheppyFox said:

I'd love to see JV KI & IS on at the same time

How would that work in terms of line up though?

[domz0000]

Goalkeepers - Sorted

Defence - 1 more center back and RB to challenge the awesome (under rated Simpson)

Midfield - Dynamite but PLEASE move King on. He is a legend that could hold back the likes of James, Lawrence and Mendy who are in a different league (King should be in the Championship)

Wingers - Class if Mahrez stays and stays interested (and why shouldn't he behind this forward line and midfield). 

Strikers - World class potential dare I say? Vardy 3 more years, KI 10 more years and Slimani to come good surely.

 

Please move on Benny, King and Ulloa as a priority. 

 

I think we look on paper like Champions League. Sometimes we even look like it, then other times we look devoid of ideas.

 

what odds on a repeat of 15-16?

 

Champions of England 17-18 or 10th place. Both equally likely!! 

 

COYB

[SheppyFox]

4 minutes ago, Swan Lesta said:

How would that work in terms of line up though?

Not sure, Craig will figure that out ?

[Nick]

I can see us being top half and I can see us doing nothing - all depends on the style of play and Shakey. Not seen much yet that inspires confidence in all honesty. I need to see the starting 11 play together first!

[FireFox]

How would that work in terms of line up though?

Slimani
Vardy - Iheanacho

Christmas tree formation 4-3-2-1
Or with wingbacks 3-4-2-1

[Nick]

8 minutes ago, FireFox said:

Slimani
Vardy - Iheanacho

Christmas tree formation 4-3-2-1
Or with wingbacks 3-4-2-1

 

Yeah - I don't think we'll ever play the Christmas tree effectively and we don't really have wing backs with perhaps the exception of Chilwell - whilst people will shout Fuchs and Albrighton wing backs they ain't in my opinion. However this is the only real world option to get that front 3 on at the same time - I think we'd be torn apart defensively though in that formation.

 

 

[Sooda]

Christmas tree could work with three hard working Central midfield players to cover the defence. That or more realistically a 4-3-3 I think best suits Leicester players. At least worth trying in pre season. plethora of options for attacking positions now too

 

I agree with @Swan Lesta no wingbacks in the Leicester squad for a three man defence to work.

 

My lineup - 4-3-3

 

Kasper -

 

Simpson, Morgan, Maguire, Fuchs -

 

Iborra/James, Ndidi,

Drinkwater - 

 

Mahrez, Vardy, Kelechi

 

though it'd be great to see Vardy and Ihneacho as a front two and we might not be getting the best out of KI by playing him wide forward. 

 

Kelechi, Slimani, Vardy- Xmas three type front three means Vardy (and Kelechi) would have to drift out wide a lot and robs him of what he is best at. And we cannot fit Mahrez too into that. 

 

I'm not sure if Iborra can play in a two man Central midfield, Does he have the mobility and engine? especially with the way leicester play they need box to box type midfielders who will press. Mendy also came from a possession based style of play and has not settled, but if they do play a midfield trio then it may get the best out of Drinky free him up to thread the forwards through.  

 

 With Albrighton, Gray and Lawrence as other wide forward options. And Slimani Okazaki through the middle. 

Part of me has Hopes for Musa this season as he will fit into a front three; 

 

[Hack]

why can't we play 3 at the back with the at least one of the wingers more in a defensive posture like Albrighton tracking back. Xmas tree formation with hard work from all in defensive cover would make us very tough to beat with the goals we have in our best side.

[filthyfox]

It's so obvious our defence is the weakness. We struggled last year and Rudders decided to bring in..... wait for it...... are you ready?.......are you still reading this..... ANOTHER forward! (Ok, so Slim and Musa were shit last year; but 46m spent should surely change positional priorities? )

 

Oh, and KI looked great as part of a RM, KI, JV goal. Although Riyad looked miserable as hell! 

[chicagofox]

22 hours ago, domz0000 said:

Goalkeepers - Sorted

Defence - 1 more center back and RB to challenge the awesome (under rated Simpson)

Midfield - Dynamite but PLEASE move King on. He is a legend that could hold back the likes of James, Lawrence and Mendy who are in a different league (King should be in the Championship)

Wingers - Class if Mahrez stays and stays interested (and why shouldn't he behind this forward line and midfield). 

Strikers - World class potential dare I say? Vardy 3 more years, KI 10 more years and Slimani to come good surely.

 

Please move on Benny, King and Ulloa as a priority. 

 

I think we look on paper like Champions League. Sometimes we even look like it, then other times we look devoid of ideas.

 

what odds on a repeat of 15-16?

 

Champions of England 17-18 or 10th place. Both equally likely!! 

 

COYB

Slow down there mate, I wouldn't say on paper we're anything like Champions League.

 

And why should it be a priority to get rid of King?  I don't see how he is holding back anyone.  IF other players are deemed better than him they will play ahead of him.  And to say Mendy is a better option based on why he has shown for City is ridiculous.  Same goes for Lawrence.  Yes, neither have had an extended run in the side.  But until (or if) they do, you can't say they are better or worse than King.

[mozartfox]

55 minutes ago, filthyfox said:

It's so obvious our defence is the weakness. We struggled last year and Rudders decided to bring in..... wait for it...... are you ready?.......are you still reading this..... ANOTHER forward! (Ok, so Slim and Musa were shit last year; but 46m spent should surely change positional priorities? )

 

Oh, and KI looked great as part of a RM, KI, JV goal. Although Riyad looked miserable as hell! 

Your not wrong about the defense, but you forgot Dudkin did bring in a defender- Molly Wagonwheel.. 

[filthyfox]

Wagué what did a Mendy?

[Sionnach gorm]

I know I'm going to get accused of acting the maggot, but I think it's time for Morgan to be moved to a coaching position.  I have seen too many mistakes from him last year due to him slowing down. I don't believe Huth is too far off either.

[Hack]

21 hours ago, filthyfox said:

It's so obvious our defence is the weakness. We struggled last year and Rudders decided to bring in..... wait for it...... are you ready?.......are you still reading this..... ANOTHER forward! (Ok, so Slim and Musa were shit last year; but 46m spent should surely change positional priorities? )

 

Oh, and KI looked great as part of a RM, KI, JV goal. Although Riyad looked miserable as hell! 

It is a shame that it seems Riyad really wants out when he could so easily be part of something great again with us.  Yes the top teams are going to be even harder to beat with the amount they are spending on strengthening, but we won't be part of the also rans with the team as is plus 1 0r 2 more great additions.  But he does seem half way out the door.  Which could free up a lot of funds to add a number of new players once the likely inevitable of him leaving happens. 

[filthyfox]

6 hours ago, Hack said:

It is a shame that it seems Riyad really wants out when he could so easily be part of something great again with us.  Yes the top teams are going to be even harder to beat with the amount they are spending on strengthening, but we won't be part of the also rans with the team as is plus 1 0r 2 more great additions.  But he does seem half way out the door.  Which could free up a lot of funds to add a number of new players once the likely inevitable of him leaving happens. 

Unfortunately time appears to be running out... and I certainly don't want a last minute purchase using Rudkin's wits!....  NR- "I wonder if Steve Guppy is available?"

[Hack]

2 hours ago, filthyfox said:

Unfortunately time appears to be running out... and I certainly don't want a last minute purchase using Rudkin's wits!....  NR- "I wonder if Steve Guppy is available?"

Why does everyone have a go at Rudkin.  No one has any idea of the inner workings of our or any club unless you have been in a role for one.  Rudkin does not work in a vacuum and i am sure with scouts and coaching staff he gets who the team want.  I am sure he works in collaboration with Shaky and the rest of those in management. 

[Livid]

Pretty much on board with that.

 

On his current form Drinkwater is nowhere near my midfield number one pick and I would have Lawrence above Musa.

[Bossman Blessed It]

Great post - Vardy looks like he's been doing a bit of work over summer as his touch for the first goal was outrageously good. Moreover, his movement to be in the right place for Iheanacho's pass shows incredible intelligence and a clear development in his instinct as a striker; I think a lot of strikers would have overshot the run and not been in the right place for it. I think he'll get 20 this season. 

[SkidsFox]

Very good thread, and totally agree that Albrighton is our number 1 underrated player.

Good thing with the squad is we currently don't have obvious weak points. However if we sell more than one of Fuchs, DD and Mahrez, I fear for a clutch of injuries with a smaller squad.

[ZeGuy]

DD is not a starter anymore and Huth instead of Morgan. Aside from that I agree with your post.

[moseeds]

On 04/08/2017 at 06:14, FireFox said:

Slimani
Vardy - Iheanacho

Christmas tree formation 4-3-2-1
Or with wingbacks 3-4-2-1

 

I'm reality that's a 4-5-1 which is where we've often struggled. I'm never quite sure what formation we play as invariably much of last season was spent hoofing it.