2018/19 U23s, Development, U19s etc

[LCFC1996]

1-1, penalty.

[mozartfox]

2 minutes ago, LCFC1996 said:

1-1, penalty.

Boooooo.   Rogers out.

[lgfualol]

Loft is on

[LCFC1996]

2-1 to Forest, counter attack. The lack of a proper right back since Ramsay got injured isn't helping, Bramley should do better though.

[lgfualol]

I need to stop watching these games. Mind numbing scrappy hit and hope football. Feel sorry for any players that want to play proper football. 

[davieG]

4 minutes ago, lgfualol said:

I need to stop watching these games. Mind numbing scrappy hit and hope football. Feel sorry for any players that want to play proper football. 

As I've said before very few of them look remotely ready to challenge the current 1st team squad. Granted some are still young but those 22 and knocking on 23 should be moved on.

[LCFC1996]

4 minutes ago, davieG said:

As I've said before very few of them look remotely ready to challenge the current 1st team squad. Granted some are still young but those 22 and knocking on 23 should be moved on.

Tbf none of the squad today are older than 21 according to transfermarkt

[LCFC1996]

3-1

[davieG]

1 minute ago, LCFC1996 said:

Tbf none of the squad today are older than 21 according to transfermarkt

None?

[LCFC1996]

1 minute ago, davieG said:

None?

Hughes is the oldest, turning 22 in April https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/leicester-city-u23/kader/verein/39341/saison_id/2018/plus/1

[davieG]

1 minute ago, LCFC1996 said:

Hughes is the oldest, turning 22 in April https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/leicester-city-u23/kader/verein/39341/saison_id/2018/plus/1

Ok then they'll need to be some massive improvement for a lot of them.

I still think those over 21 should be out on loan even if it's L1 or the National League this U23 stuff is not 'real' football.

[LCFC1996]

2 minutes ago, davieG said:

Ok then they'll need to be some massive improvement for a lot of them.

I still think those over 21 should be out on loan even if it's L1 or the National League this U23 stuff is not 'real' football.

Yeah Hughes in particular, he was a regular for Chester in the National League before we signed him so you've gotta think he can be getting first team football on loan somewhere soon

[Ric Flair]

2 minutes ago, LCFC1996 said:

Yeah Hughes in particular, he was a regular for Chester in the National League before we signed him so you've gotta think he can be getting first team football on loan somewhere soon

If he hadn't have got injured in the summer for 7 months, he would have been out on loan now. Likewise Ndukwu, but he may get a sniff in the first team under Rodgers.

[LCFC1996]

1 minute ago, Ric Flair said:

If he hadn't have got injured in the summer for 7 months, he would have been out on loan now. Likewise Ndukwu, but he may get a sniff in the first team under Rodgers.

Ndukwu & Muskwe seem closest to the first team, when you factor in their own performances with the needs of the first team (shortage of wingers with Albrighton injured & only one striker that can score)

[davieG]

Beaglehole: An Incredible Game
DEVELOPMENT SQYAD
Published 10 mins ago
2 MinutesReading time
Steve Beaglehole, the Club’s Senior Professional Development Phase Coach, believes Leicester City's Under-23s failed to build on a positive start in their 3-1 defeat by Nottingham Forest on Thursday.

City's Under-23s Beaten At Forest, But Qualify In PL Cup

- Leicester City's Development Squad were beaten 3-1 by Nottingham Forest on Thursday

- Brennan Johnson (2) and Jamie Ward struck for Forest, after Admiral Muskwe's opening goal

- Beaglehole wants to see a reaction from his young side in their next outing

- The Foxes go to Manchester City in Premier League 2 Division 1 on Sunday afternoon

 

Admiral Muskwe's ninth-minute opener put City on course for a positive outing, but a double from Brennan Johnson and a solitary effort from Jamie Ward sealed victory for Forest.

Both sides qualified for the Last-16 stage of the competition with Leicester's points tally of six - and superior goal difference over third-place Exeter City - enough to confirm a runners-up spot in Group D.

Speaking to LCFC TV at full-time, a disappointed Beaglehole said: "It was quite an incredible game considering that there was nothing at stake.

"That was probably one of the most physical games we’ve been involved in this season, in a good way, and it showed how comfortable they are playing on this pitch.

We could only play Sam Hughes for 45 minutes because he’s coming back from injury and we suffered a little bit.

Steve BeagleholeLCFC TV
"Our goal was great, on the counter-attack, but I was really disappointed that we gave away our lead just before half-time because we speak about the importance of managing the game.

"We gave away a silly free-kick and then we conceded the penalty and we went in at 1-1. I thought we started the second half brightly but our defending was lacking for the two goals.

"We’ve got a lack of communication and resilience in the back four. We could only play Sam Hughes for 45 minutes because he’s coming back from injury and we suffered a little bit.

"It gives other players a chance. We’ve got injuries and when that happens it gives other players a chance to stand up and show what they can do."

We’ll get back out training tomorrow ahead of the game on Sunday but we’ve got to start showing a little bit more character and resilience.

Steve BeagleholeLCFC TV
However, Beaglehole said matches such as these are an opportunity to learn more about the Club's young players and looked ahead to the trip to Manchester City.

The Foxes tackle Man City in Premier League 2 Division 1 at Academy Stadium on Sunday afternoon (1pm GMT kick-off).

"From a development point of view, this kind of game informs you about the players, but I’m disappointed that we lost the game and conceded three goals," he added.

"We’ll get back out training tomorrow ahead of the game on Sunday but we’ve got to start showing a little bit more character and resilience."

[cal21212121]

Who played centre back with Pascanu second half?

[LCFC1996]

33 minutes ago, cal21212121 said:

Who played centre back with Pascanu second half?

George Heaven, think it’s only his 2nd game with the u23’s

[Super_horns]

Just seen highlights from our game last night (the FA Youth cup one!)

 

Seems like our goalie did have a blinder but your number 11 looked good.

 

Also our number 9 is probably our best attacking prospect for some time.

 

All no doubt will be poached by a big top 6 soon enough. 

[Chester_Fan]

4 hours ago, LCFC1996 said:

Yeah Hughes in particular, he was a regular for Chester in the National League before we signed him so you've gotta think he can be getting first team football on loan somewhere soon

Sam Hughes bullied an experienced Matt Rhead out of the game at 19 years old. Matt was one of the toughest strikers to defend against in the league at the time. I know National League is a long way from L1/Champ/PL football but to be so physically dominant against an old fashioned 'bully' of a centre forward whilst still a teenager showed for me he's ready for mens football at a higher level. Will be interesting to see what happens with him for the rest of the season.

 

Also wonder what effect Rodgers will have on Sam and other academy lads who were close to first team debuts last season... wonder whether Brendan will have a different strategy in mind, like easing Sam into the first team setup. One thing for sure he does value youth.

[Foxxed]

How did Sam Hughes do?

[Foxxed]

2 hours ago, Chester_Fan said:

Sam Hughes bullied an experienced Matt Rhead out of the game at 19 years old. Matt was one of the toughest strikers to defend against in the league at the time. I know National League is a long way from L1/Champ/PL football but to be so physically dominant against an old fashioned 'bully' of a centre forward whilst still a teenager showed for me he's ready for mens football at a higher level. Will be interesting to see what happens with him for the rest of the season.

 

Also wonder what effect Rodgers will have on Sam and other academy lads who were close to first team debuts last season... wonder whether Brendan will have a different strategy in mind, like easing Sam into the first team setup. One thing for sure he does value youth.

Why do you say that? What's his track record?

[weller54]

4 hours ago, LCFC1996 said:

George Heaven, think it’s only his 2nd game with the u23’s

Alot of top teams will be after him.. They'll be knock knock knocking on his door! 

[davieG]

How good can Leicester City's young guns be? Their FIFA 19 potential ratings revealed

 

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/how-good-can-leicester-citys-2595177

 

Filip Benkovic
Current overall - 76
Potential overall - 85
Filip Benkovic in action for Celtic against St. Mirren
Filip Benkovic in action for Celtic against St. Mirren (Image: Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
Currently out on loan at Scottish champions Celtic, the Croatian arrived at City last summer for an estimated fee of £13 million.

According to FIFA, the 21-year-old is already at a decent Premier League standard, with an overall rating of 76.

FIFA expects the young centre-half to continue to improve, giving him a potential rating of 85.

This would see him surpass Harry Maguire’s 82 - the highest in the position currently at Leicester.

Benkovic’s massive 6ft 3in frame is supported by an impressive range of defensive attributes in FIFA 19, including strength (86), stand tackle (75) and slide tackle (75).

 

Harvey Barnes
Current overall – 74
Potential overall – 84

Harvey Barnes of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Crystal Palace at The King Power Stadium (Image: Plumb Images/Leicester City via Getty Images)
Harvey Barnes has certainly hit the ground running since being recalled early from his loan spell at West Bromwich Albion.

The academy graduate’s flair and directness have already earned him plenty of plaudits at the King Power, while also earning him a respectable FIFA current rating of 74.

His best attributes include dribbling (77), crossing (71), ball control (74), sprint speed (76), acceleration (78) and long shots (75).

However, the 21-year-old is expected to only improve in his newly-cemented place in the starting XI.

FIFA predicts that Barnes will reach an overall rating of 84, on-par with the likes of Premier League stars, Heung Min Song and Anthony Martial.

 

Caglar Soyuncu
Current overall - 74
Potential overall - 82

Leicester City's Caglar Soyuncu trains ahead of his side's game against Wolves (Image: Plumb Images/Getty Images)
The 22-year-old arrived at Leicester on the same day as his team-mate Benkovic for a fee of approximately £19 million, as the Foxes looked to bolster their options in central defence.

Although his overall rating (74) is lower than his Croatian colleague’s, then-manager Claude Puel decided to keep the Turkish international in his first-team squad.

The former Freiburg man has struggled to break into the starting XI, only registering five league appearances this season.

FIFA believes that this could all change in the future, estimating that his overall rating will one day be 82, the same as Leicester’s defensive titan, Harry Maguire.

Soyuncu’s key attributes include standing tackle (82), slide tackle (79), strength (78) and aggression (81).

 

Hamza Choudhury
Current rating: 71
Potential rating: 80

Hamza Choudhury of Leicester City ahead of his side's clash with Tottenham Hotspur (Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Hamza Choudhury’s current FIFA rating is 71, with his stamina (73) and acceleration (73) coming in as his top-two stats. 

His potential FIFA rating sees him climb up to 80 rated, which would make him one of the higher rated players at Leicester City. 

This potential rating puts Choudhury level with the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere.

The former Leicester City U23 captain has made good inroads into the first team this season, making a total of 8 appearances since August. 

 

Fousseni Diabaté
Current rating: 70
Potential rating: 78
Fousseni Diabate is all smiles at Leicester City's Belvoir Drive training ground
Fousseni Diabate is all smiles at Leicester City's Belvoir Drive training ground (Image: Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
Fousseni Diabaté’s current rating is 70, with his top stats being sprint speed (82) and agility (80). 

His potential FIFA rating sees him go upwards to 78, level with the likes of Englishmen Callum Wilson and Michail Antonio.

Diabaté burst into the first team back in early 2018, scoring twice on his debut in the FA Cup against Peterborough. 

He made 14 appearances last season, but has only managed the one appearance in the 2018/19 season, and has now been loaned out to Sivasspor in the Turkish League to try and get him some more first team football.

 

Darnell Johnson
Current overall - 62
Potential overall - 78
Leicester City under-23s captain Darnell Johnson
Leicester City under-23s captain Darnell Johnson (Image: Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
Despite not having registered a single first-team appearance for the Foxes, Darnell Johnson is viewed as a hot prospect by both FIFA and City fans alike.

A recent regular in City’s academy at both right-back and his preferred centre-back, he displayed both his versatility and leadership, regularly skippering the under 23s in the absence of Hamza Choudhury.

In January, the defender was loaned to Hibernian, where he has made one appearance. His current overall rating may only be 62, but the 20-year-old is expected to undergo massive growth in the coming years.

In-game, Johnson’s potential overall is 78, which would take him to a similar level to the likes of Kurt Zouma and Jamal Lascelles, both of whom featuring regularly in the Premier League. His best attributes include strength (68), jumping (67) and aggression (69).

 

Callum Wright
Current rating: 60
Potential rating: 78
Leicester City U23s winger Callum Wright
Leicester City U23s winger Callum Wright (Image: Plumb Images/Leicester City via Getty Images)
Currently rated 60, Callum Wright’s top stats include sprint speed (69) and balance (71). 

His potential FIFA rating sees him rise to 78, putting him at a similar rating to players such as ex-Arsenal man Gervinho and Borussia Dortmund and top English talent Jaden Sancho. 

Wright is only 18 years of age, and came from Blackburn in 2018 to play for the Leicester U23s. 

He has made 14 appearances this season, scoring three goals in that time, demonstrating his attacking threat from a midfield position.

 

Josh Knight
Current rating: 64
Potential rating: 77
Josh Knight warms up ahead of Leicester City U23s v Everton U23s in Premier League 2
Josh Knight warms up ahead of Leicester City U23s v Everton U23s in Premier League 2 (Image: Plumb Images/Leicester City via Getty Images)
Josh Knight’s current FIFA rating is 64, with the potential rating reaching the gold level standard of 77, which is higher than Willy Boly (76), Wolverhampton Wanderers’ current centre-half.

With one senior appearance under his belt, Josh Knight presents all the attributes to become a top centre-half for Leicester. 

Currently on-loan at Peterborough, the Englishman has come through the academy ranks from a very young-age, and has demonstrated great leadership and versatility whilst playing for the reserves, popping up with the occasional goal as well.

The 21 year-old appeared in the Carabao Cup against Sheffield United, replacing the current number one defender Harry Maguire. 

In the few minutes he was given he demonstrated why he captained the U23s, putting in a fantastic block to deny the Blades late on and helping TO secure their place in the next round.

 

Layton Ndukwu
Current overall - 62
Potential overall – 77
Layton Ndukwu, one of Leicester City Under-23s' brightest stars, in action in the first team's pre-season friendly against Lille
Layton Ndukwu, one of Leicester City Under-23s' brightest stars, in action in the first team's pre-season friendly against Lille (Image: Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
The 20-year-old winger has three goals in five appearances in Premier League 2 this season, while boasting six goals at England under 17 level.

Despite his short career being plagued by injury, Ndukwu is still a fantastic prospect for the Foxes.

Competent with both feet, the skilful youngster is adept as either a winger or supporting striker.

His FIFA attributes support this, for example ball control (67), dribbling (68), acceleration (76) and agility (71).

FIFA have given Ndukwu a potential rating of 77, which would see him reach similar levels to established professionals, James Ward-Prowse and Aaron Lennon.

 

Daniel Iversen
Current rating: 63
Potential rating: 75
Leicester City under-23s goalkeeper Daniel Iversen
Leicester City under-23s goalkeeper Daniel Iversen (Image: Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
Daniel Iversen is currently rated 63, with reflexes (66) and diving (67) his top two stats. 

His potential rating sees him climb up to the cusp of the gold rating, at 75.  This would put him on a par with other Premier League goalkeepers such as Bournemouth’s Arter Boruc and Crystal Palace’s Wayne Hennessey.

Currently on-loan at Ipswich, Iversen has made 37 appearances at the League two side. 

With his loan spell coming to an end in the summer, new manager Brendan Rodgers could be considering another loan spell elsewhere or even bringing him into the first team.  

[lgfualol]

2 minutes ago, davieG said:

Currently on-loan at Ipswich, Iversen has made 37 appearances at the League two side. 

Good old Merc. Plenty of proof reading.

[Foxy-Lady]

On ‎22‎/‎02‎/‎2019 at 11:51, cal21212121 said:

I feel he was brought in due to our injuries at the start of the season. With Ndukwu, Muskwe, Uche Rubio and Eppiah all injured I'm assuming her was a cheap desperate attempt to fill the striker role until they became fit

Ndukwu, Muskwe and Uche Rubio were not injured at the start of the season when they signed Loft.  This injuries all happened after the start of the season.

Introduction of Loft was presumably to coincide with Beagleholes 1970s lower league football philsophhy that you need a big strong target man to get the ball forward to as quickly as you can.  Beaglehole would have loved Akinbiye...! 

 

Coming from a lower league background, Beaglehole is obsessed with size and physicality (just speak with any of his former players and they would happily confirm this!) which is why I stated several months ago on this post that we would not see too much of last seasons U18s Academy Player of the Year  Connor Tee this season....regardless of what Beaglehole says publicly in the media about how good he is.   And guess what...?!?