The "do they mean us?" thread pt 2

[Jacnah]

On 07/08/2020 at 09:35, Lionator said:

 

Not strictly Leicester but this is the sort of nonsense ourselves and Wolves are up against.

Other than his mention of 'top 6 side' i thought he was being hugely complementary to Wolves - As a fan of one of those clubs he is just saying they are a danger to his club. 

[davieG]

Leicester City: 2019/20 Season Review

By

 Ojele Joshua

 -

August 9, 2020

 

Brendan Rodgers’s Leicester City were involved in one hell of a rollercoaster ride in last seasons Premier League. In the top-flights first 11-month-long campaign, the Foxes played their best football since the miracle season, where they rocked world football by storming to the Premier League title.

Leicester City 2019/20 Season Review

 

A Strong Campaign for the Foxes

In a season where key players were lost to injuries or transferred out at the start, Leicester were stunning. They sat comfortably in the top four for most of the season, mixing attacking brilliance with defensive solidity.

Leicester were simply outstanding in the first half of the season. They were second-placed at the turn of the year and looked ready to mount a serious title challenge. However, they faded in the second half. Although they declined, Brendan Rodgers and his young exciting team performed brilliantly and gave the fans everything to cheer for.

 

Season Expectations

Leicester City finished the 2018/19 season in ninth place, failing to secure European football for the third year running. The Foxes finished with 52 points, only edging out 10th-placed West Ham United on goal difference. They lost more games than they won and only scored three goals more than the 48 goals conceded. Coming into the 2019/20 season, a place in Europe was the goal for Leicester City, and it was achieved.

 

Pivotal Games

Southampton 0-9 Leicester City

Leicester City steamrolled 10-man Southampton at the St. Mary’s Stadium en route to equaling the Premier League’s 24-year-old record for the biggest win ever.

Jamie Vardy and Ayoze Pérez both registered a hat-trick, while Ben Chilwell, Youri Tielemans and James Maddison were on the scoresheet for the visitors. With the emphatic victory, the Foxes leapfrogged Manchester City to sit second-placed, just five points behind runaway league leaders, Liverpool.

The win infused a high level of confidence and belief, and they would go on to take 26 points from the next 11 games. It was a blistering run in which the Brendan Rodgers’s men only lost to Manchester City and Liverpool.

 

Leicester City 0-2 Manchester United

This was the most decisive game in Leicester’s race for a top-four finish. They came into this decisive final-day showdown knowing their fate sat in their own hands. A win would comfortably secure them the sought-after Champions League spot, while, should Chelsea fail to secure a win, a draw would be enough.

Both sides had their share of chances in the first half, but none were converted. Once Chelsea took the lead at Stamford Bridge, Leicester needed a victory to ensure their season-long effort paid off. After a lackluster performance, Manchester United dashed the Foxes hopes of a top-four finish with a 2-0 victory at the King Power Stadium.

If anything, Kasper Schmeichel’s fumbled dribble that led to the Red’s second goal summed up how Leicester closed out their season.

 

What Went Wrong?

At the turn of the new year, Leicester City were looking like serious title challengers. They sat comfortably in second place, nine points behind league leaders Liverpool and six points ahead of Manchester City. With a 14-point cushion in the top four, Brendan Roger’s side looked destined for a top-four finish, at worst.

However, they failed to replicate that outstanding form in the second half of the season and soon set into a gradual, non-stop, disappointing collapse. After spending 325 days in the top-four, the Foxes fell into the Europa League. A sour end to an incredible campaign. What went wrong?

 

Crucial Injuries

When a team loses its key players to injuries, it changes team dynamics and drops the confidence in the squad, and there’s only so much the back-ups can do. This was the case for Leicester City. Since N’golo Kante’s departure, Wilfred Ndidi has fit into the Frenchman’s role like a glove. He led the Premier League stats for tackles and interceptions, playing a key role in Brendan Rodgers’s defensive set up. With the Nigerian international sidelined through injury, Leicester’s midfield gave way.

Ricardo Pereira and Ben Chilwell – the best full-back pairing in the league bar Liverpool’s – also had their fair share of Injury. Both Ndidi and Pereira led the league for tackles per game, but with the Portuguese picking up a season-ending knee ligament injury in March, the Foxes lost two crucial first-team players. Ben Chilwell missed the final six games of the season due to a heel injury. He and Pereira played a key part in Leicester City’s tactics, but with both players ruled out, Leicester lost a chunk of their attacking threat. They had created a combined 116 chances in the Premier League.

 

COVID-19 Break

The break in the Premier League, and world football at large, undoubtedly did more harm than good for Leicester City. They lost the plot, their momentum and form. They picked only nine points from nine games post the restart. With Manchester United and Chelsea hot on their tail, the Foxes fell to back-to-back draws against Watford and Brighton, which was followed by a 2-1 defeat at Goodison Park. A comfortable 3-0 victory against Crystal Palace followed, but Brendan Rodgers was unable to build on that victory. They struggled for a 1-1 draw against 10-man Arsenal before an abysmal 4-1 loss to relegation-threatened Bournemouth.

The Cherries loss was arguably the final nail in Leicester’s coffin. Even though they defeated Sheffield United next, their final two games were though fixtures against Tottenham and Manchester United, which they ultimately lost.

 

Brendan Rodgers’s Mentality Under Pressure

Rodgers has done an amazing job with Leicester City. Since taking over from Claude Puel in 2019, he has taken his side to new heights, grooming them into one of the most exciting teams in the league. However, questions have been raised over Roger’s mentality and ability to close out strong, especially in pressured situations.

Exactly six years ago, the Leicester City boss was on course to clinch the Premier League title with Liverpool. With seven points needed from the final three games to seal the title, his side folded. This season, Leicester were in pole position to finish in the top-four. However, a 14-point cushion between them and fifth place was somehow blown away. Lacklustre performances were too rampant, and the Leicester boss seemed to be out of ideas and answers.

 

Players of The Season

Jamie Vardy’s Stars Again

In a Player of the Season campaign for Leicester, Jamie Vardy was once again phenomenal. The Englishman, who spearheaded Leicester’s 2016 title run, this time around, led a young and inexperienced attacking unit. His ruthlessness, electrifying pace and eye for goal played a huge role in pushing Leicester side up the table and sustain them in the top-four places.

The 33-year-old striker scored 23 goals for Leicester, the highest of the 2019/20 Premier League season, as he claimed his first Golden Boot award. He also became the latest member of the Premier League 100-goal club and the first Leicester player to reach that achievement.

Vardy also showed his creative touch by registering five assists. He proved that even at 33, he poses a more attacking threat than most Premier League forwards.

 

Harvey Barnes: Young Player of the Season

Harvey Barnes has become one of the most thrilling youngsters to watch in the Premier League. The 22-year-old is a product of Leicester City’s youth system, having been at the club since the age of nine.

Barnes was also groomed, developed and ultimately matured into the exciting player he is through a successful loan system. While on loan at West Bromwich Albion, his stellar outings for the Baggies caught the eye of many across the league. By January, he was recalled by Leicester City, as he proved too valuable to be out on loan. Since then, Barnes has become a regular in the Foxes first team.

Last season, his first full season at the King Power Stadium, Barnes made 36 appearances, with 24 of them as a starter. He forged a superb partnership with Ben Chilwell down the left-hand side of the pitch. The winger was Leicester’s second-best goal contributor with six goals and eight assists, only behind Jamie Vardy. His stock has continued to rise, and he has emerged a major contender to make Gareth Southgate’s England Euro squad.

 

Caglar Soyuncu Revelation

After losing Harry Maguire to Manchester United, Caglar Soyuncu was tasked with filling the void left in the heart of Leicester City’s defence. The 24-year-old defender did a sublime job as he replaced Maguire’s influence and contributions effortlessly. While Vardy was busy on the frontline, Soyuncu did the dirty work at the back. The Turkey international formed a devastating centre-back pairing with veteran defender Jonny Evans. This was arguably the best centre-back pairing in the league.

 

An Exciting Future Awaits

Looking into the future, Leicester City have a young and vibrant crop of players capable of performing at the top for years to come. With an average squad age of 25.9 years, eight of their 11 most regular starters are between the ages of 23 and 26. The likes of Jamie Vardy and Jonny Evans would provide the needed experience, while with head coach Brendan Rodgers at the helm, the Leicester City fans can expect to see more exciting football at the King Power Stadium for years to come.

 

 

https://lastwordonfootball.com/2020/08/09/leicester-city-2019-20-season-review/

[brucey]

 

[The People's Hero]

16 hours ago, brucey said:

 

So that's where our old fax machine went!

[DJ Barry Hammond]

 

Thought I’d add this in here.
 

 

I found Jomboy during lockdown and embarked on a massive YouTube binge of his baseball breakdowns (that’s his main forte).

 

If you’re even mildly interested in baseball then these are well worth a watch.

 

Featuring dramatic moments from MLB (quite often dust ups) they’re light, quick, snappy and proved for me at least highly addictive viewing. 
 

Anyway, for some reason he decided to branch out and do a soccer video - and low and behold it featured us and THAT game.

 

I’m sure some looking in will think clueless yanks should stay away from commenting on a game they don’t understand.

 

But I found what he did amusing, especially the way he pronounced Leicester, so if you’re at all intrigued by all this why not hit play to make up your own mind?

[UniFox21]

The 2010 play-off semi final second leg is on sky sports football now 

[Jimmy]

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/andy-robertson-names-three-best-22541746

 

Andy Robertson has named Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies, Ben Chilwell of Leicester City and Barcelona's Jordi Alba as the three best left-backs currently active in world football.

The 26-year-old Scotland international had another superb season playing in the position for Liverpool, scoring twice and creating 12 assists in the Premier League to help his side to the title.

He has clearly been keeping an eye on who else has been flourishing from the full-back position, and when asked by BT Sport to name his favourites he had three in mind.

"I think Alphonso Davies is already world class but he can only get better," Robertson said.

 

"Ben Chilwell I love watching in the Premier League, then I would say Jordi Alba, the more experienced one of the three I would say. You know, maybe coming the end of his career but what a career he’s had.

 

“You know, he really -him and Marcelo - probably took left-backs to a whole new level.”

 

Nineteen-year-old Davies particularly impressed in Bayern's 8-2 thrashing of Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final last week, and he created a phenomenal assist by running 80 yards and beating Nelson Semedo before setting up Joshua Kimmich for his side's fifth goal.

 

Robertson was impressed by what he saw, but warned Reds supporters to not demand him to do something similar next season.

 

“Yeah, don’t be expecting me to do that any time in a hurry!" he added. "That was just incredible, he probably took five or six of them out of the game with one passage of play.

"So, phenomenal player, someone I enjoy watching and I think the whole world’s enjoying watching him at the minute - and I’m no different.”

Davies will next be in action on Wednesday as Bayern take on Lyon in the last four to decide who will take on the winners of RB Leipzig v PSG in Sunday's final.

Edited 18 August 2020 by Jimmy

[TiffToff88]

16 minutes ago, Jimmy said:

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/andy-robertson-names-three-best-22541746

 

Andy Robertson has named Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies, Ben Chilwell of Leicester City and Barcelona's Jordi Alba as the three best left-backs currently active in world football.

The 26-year-old Scotland international had another superb season playing in the position for Liverpool, scoring twice and creating 12 assists in the Premier League to help his side to the title.

He has clearly been keeping an eye on who else has been flourishing from the full-back position, and when asked by BT Sport to name his favourites he had three in mind.

"I think Alphonso Davies is already world class but he can only get better," Robertson said.

 

"Ben Chilwell I love watching in the Premier League, then I would say Jordi Alba, the more experienced one of the three I would say. You know, maybe coming the end of his career but what a career he’s had.

 

“You know, he really -him and Marcelo - probably took left-backs to a whole new level.”

 

Nineteen-year-old Davies particularly impressed in Bayern's 8-2 thrashing of Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final last week, and he created a phenomenal assist by running 80 yards and beating Nelson Semedo before setting up Joshua Kimmich for his side's fifth goal.

 

Robertson was impressed by what he saw, but warned Reds supporters to not demand him to do something similar next season.

 

“Yeah, don’t be expecting me to do that any time in a hurry!" he added. "That was just incredible, he probably took five or six of them out of the game with one passage of play.

"So, phenomenal player, someone I enjoy watching and I think the whole world’s enjoying watching him at the minute - and I’m no different.”

Davies will next be in action on Wednesday as Bayern take on Lyon in the last four to decide who will take on the winners of RB Leipzig v PSG in Sunday's final.

 

Really puts the criticisms from our fans into perspective. Some of the best teams in the country want to sign Ben Chilwell. And one of the best Left Backs in the world thinks Chilwell is up there with him as one of the best in the game.

 

Just because we watch him week in week out doesn't mean we are in a better position to judge his abilities and potential. I'd certainly trust the opinions of his fellow professionals over many of our fans who have criticised him over the last few months.

 

And for the record, I think he's one of the best players our youth academy has ever produced and I'd be gutted if he left, but given the way he's been used as a scapegoat by our fans this season and actively abused and insulted on his own Twitter page, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if he does decide to go.

 

Our fans don't deserve to have nice things.

Edited 18 August 2020 by TiffToff88

[Jacnah]

29 minutes ago, TiffToff88 said:

 

Really puts the criticisms from our fans into perspective. Some of the best teams in the country want to sign Ben Chilwell. And one of the best Left Backs in the world thinks Chilwell is up there with him as one of the best in the game.

 

Just because we watch him week in week out doesn't mean we are in a better position to judge his abilities and potential. I'd certainly trust the opinions of his fellow professionals over many of our fans who have criticised him over the last few months.

 

And for the record, I think he's one of the best players our youth academy has ever produced and I'd be gutted if he left, but given the way he's been used as a scapegoat by our fans this season and actively abused and insulted on his own Twitter page, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if he does decide to go.

 

Our fans don't deserve to have nice things.

I wholeheartedly agree, but, equally, i can't claim to be uncritical as he frustrates me greatly at times. Maybe it's because we DO recognise his talent, but, when confidence is low, he can be very negative in his play. Maybe it's just a question of experience and maturity. 

 

Personally, I don't want to see him leave.

[Webbo]

1 hour ago, TiffToff88 said:

 

Really puts the criticisms from our fans into perspective. Some of the best teams in the country want to sign Ben Chilwell. And one of the best Left Backs in the world thinks Chilwell is up there with him as one of the best in the game.

 

Just because we watch him week in week out doesn't mean we are in a better position to judge his abilities and potential. I'd certainly trust the opinions of his fellow professionals over many of our fans who have criticised him over the last few months.

 

And for the record, I think he's one of the best players our youth academy has ever produced and I'd be gutted if he left, but given the way he's been used as a scapegoat by our fans this season and actively abused and insulted on his own Twitter page, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if he does decide to go.

 

Our fans don't deserve to have nice things.

If/when he leaves it'll be because he wants to play in London/for a bigger club/for more money. The fans have nothing to do with it.

[Raw Dykes]

1 hour ago, TiffToff88 said:

 

Really puts the criticisms from our fans into perspective. Some of the best teams in the country want to sign Ben Chilwell. And one of the best Left Backs in the world thinks Chilwell is up there with him as one of the best in the game.

 

Just because we watch him week in week out doesn't mean we are in a better position to judge his abilities and potential. I'd certainly trust the opinions of his fellow professionals over many of our fans who have criticised him over the last few months.

 

And for the record, I think he's one of the best players our youth academy has ever produced and I'd be gutted if he left, but given the way he's been used as a scapegoat by our fans this season and actively abused and insulted on his own Twitter page, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if he does decide to go.

 

Our fans don't deserve to have nice things.

Some of the best teams in the country want him at least partly because he's England's best left back.

 

I disagree wholeheartedly that we're not in a better position to judge his abilities. Who else is better positioned to judge than those who watch every minute he is on the pitch? He can and has played very well. That's what's so frustrating about him for me; he's too inconsistent. He may go on to become as good as Robertson thinks he is, but currently, his defending is not great, and his end product is more miss than hit. His engine is excellent, and he's very good aerially for a full-back, but what else does he have?

 

Chilwell was pretty poor when Puel made him first choice over Fuchs. After that season, Ben said he spent the summer working on his weaknesses and he did come back much improved. He made huge progress in that time, but hasn't pushed on since. I think it's probably fair to say he's even regressed slightly since then.

 

I think Robertson might have Chilwell's highlight reel in his mind when he's deciding who the top left backs are. He won't be thinking of his many sub-par games and negative play.

 

I agree - he is one of the club's best products (although I'm not convinced he'll be spoken of in the same breath as Lineker, Shilton or Heskey), and I won't be thrilled to lose him, but if he wants to go, and the club gets enough funds to replace him and strengthen another position or two, as well, then I'm happy.

[Corky]

1 hour ago, Webbo said:

If/when he leaves it'll be because he wants to play in London/for a bigger club/for more money. The fans have nothing to do with it.

We're not even that hard on him. I mean, we booed Vardy off several years ago. Chilwell gets groans of frustration in the same way every player does and also gets encouragement and praise.

 

He'll have it far worse elsewhere if he doesn't play well.

[urban.spaceman]

 

[fuchsntf]

On 18/08/2020 at 22:19, Raw Dykes said:

Some of the best teams in the country want him at least partly because he's England's best left back.

 

I disagree wholeheartedly that we're not in a better position to judge his abilities. Who else is better positioned to judge than those who watch every minute he is on the pitch? He can and has played very well. That's what's so frustrating about him for me; he's too inconsistent. He may go on to become as good as Robertson thinks he is, but currently, his defending is not great, and his end product is more miss than hit. His engine is excellent, and he's very good aerially for a full-back, but what else does he have?

 

Chilwell was pretty poor when Puel made him first choice over Fuchs. After that season, Ben said he spent the summer working on his weaknesses and he did come back much improved. He made huge progress in that time, but hasn't pushed on since. I think it's probably fair to say he's even regressed slightly since then.

 

I think Robertson might have Chilwell's highlight reel in his mind when he's deciding who the top left backs are. He won't be thinking of his many sub-par games and negative play.

 

I agree - he is one of the club's best products (although I'm not convinced he'll be spoken of in the same breath as Lineker, Shilton or Heskey), and I won't be thrilled to lose him, but if he wants to go, and the club gets enough funds to replace him and strengthen another position or two, as well, then I'm happy.

Too many actually Chase around the Bowl for our players errors so much that they totally miss... the avg. to good..to excellent moments in the same game...

I Really dont understand this cynical Run around, on Chilly,Madison & Tielemans....The Leicester fans dong carry a Chip on the shoulder,but a bloody Great

mental mangle...too ready to be first to turn the handle.....!!  More interested in Running vor pundits of the year,instead of just Simply supporting & encouragement

players & team....

Their Entertainment is Not the game on the field, but getting it off, by ripping strips off their own players everyweek.....I

So determined and desperate to have a go at Chillwell that they miss & forget the exciting forging driving Ricardo, balls up when trying to prevent crosses even goals from his side....I like others Dont try to gain or make or gain points out of it..!!ich

recognising Frustration, but also appreciating special moments is Part of the game...Leaning lopsided just to One track becomes boring....

 

I for one at this Stage of Team developement definitely Dont want to lose quality that we have in Chilwell,Madison & Tielemans,its those Smiles & even laughs,

that help to Bond the team & cliques....We have changed & become on this forum from a humerous ,wry open forum to a plain cynical one...

We used to struggle in the past,because Finding & Keeping such quality as those 3 happened only individually ,rarely then only Short term...

Turm arounds doesn't higher Top clubs,but "also runs" clubs with aspirations need to find then hold onto quality staff consistency...

Yes an odd Move like Maguire can be carried ...Boost the budget turnaround...but make no mistake Losing consistently 2-3 Quality players will Not Keep our

Club consistently competing for those covetted top 6 placings.....

 

Some of you cant understand we Dont have neither the Financial Clout nor regional cache, to create the quality Player Merry go round of the likes of the

traditional top clubs....We have to take the easy easy approach,hoping occasionally a Vardy,Mahrez,Maddison,Ndidi,Soyu Tielemans, Chilwell,hopefully Barnes says. Yeh lets twist and go again..!!! 

Exceptional Transfer nous is more down to luck mixed with a Good-eye than skill,or a very rich group of benifactors

just look at & through the History of the game...!!!

 

 

 

 

 

[Mawuli]

On 18/08/2020 at 19:39, Webbo said:

If/when he leaves it'll be because he wants to play in London/for a bigger club/for more money. The fans have nothing to do with it.

 

On 18/08/2020 at 18:30, TiffToff88 said:

 

Really puts the criticisms from our fans into perspective. Some of the best teams in the country want to sign Ben Chilwell. And one of the best Left Backs in the world thinks Chilwell is up there with him as one of the best in the game.

 

Just because we watch him week in week out doesn't mean we are in a better position to judge his abilities and potential. I'd certainly trust the opinions of his fellow professionals over many of our fans who have criticised him over the last few months.

 

And for the record, I think he's one of the best players our youth academy has ever produced and I'd be gutted if he left, but given the way he's been used as a scapegoat by our fans this season and actively abused and insulted on his own Twitter page, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if he does decide to go.

 

Our fans don't deserve to have nice things.

Well according to James Maddison,Rachid Ghezzal was the most skillful player in the team,shall we not buy another winger and stick him there

[StanSP]

 

 

Obviously the important part is getting the recruitment right! 

 

 

[urban.spaceman]

9 minutes ago, StanSP said:

 

 

Obviously the important part is getting the recruitment right! 

Double dare you to post that in the transfer forum.

[Stadt]

2 hours ago, StanSP said:

 

 

Obviously the important part is getting the recruitment right! 

 

 

Good job Congerton has an outstanding track record with his recruitment and the season starts in 17 days then 

[davieG]

15 hours ago, StanSP said:

 

 

Obviously the important part is getting the recruitment right! 

 

 

Then there's my £70    

 

Whoops! I thought Us  meant the fans

[Fox92]

Hopefully it gets invested correctly.

 

The issue Southampton have had is that they used to sell and bring in a cheaper, but better player, (ie Mane came into replace Lallana), but the quality of their new players dropped.

 

I hope we get some good players in.

[coolhandfox]

2 hours ago, Fox92 said:

Hopefully it gets invested correctly.

 

The issue Southampton have had is that they used to sell and bring in a cheaper, but better player, (ie Mane came into replace Lallana), but the quality of their new players dropped.

 

I hope we get some good players in.

To honest  Southampton sold more that one player in a season,  

Schneiderlin,Clyne 2014

Shaw, Lambert, Lallana, Chambers 2015

Mane & Wanayama 2016

 

Lot easier to replace one player, then two or there.  

Edited 27 August 2020 by coolhandfox

[Captain...]

1 hour ago, coolhandfox said:

To honest  Southampton sold more that one player in a season,  

Schneiderlin,Clyne 2014

Shaw, Lambert, Lallana, Chambers 2015

Mane & Wanayama 2016

 

Lot easier to replace one player, then two or there.  

And then some, Rickie Lambert, Jay Rodriguez, Van Dijk, Lovren, Pelle, Fonte and more.

 

Southampton really are a selling club, we arent, but we don't have the clout to keep all our best players from every attempt.

[Nalis]

On 18/08/2020 at 19:14, Jimmy said:

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/andy-robertson-names-three-best-22541746

 

Andy Robertson has named Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies, Ben Chilwell of Leicester City and Barcelona's Jordi Alba as the three best left-backs currently active in world football.

The 26-year-old Scotland international had another superb season playing in the position for Liverpool, scoring twice and creating 12 assists in the Premier League to help his side to the title.

He has clearly been keeping an eye on who else has been flourishing from the full-back position, and when asked by BT Sport to name his favourites he had three in mind.

"I think Alphonso Davies is already world class but he can only get better," Robertson said.

 

"Ben Chilwell I love watching in the Premier League, then I would say Jordi Alba, the more experienced one of the three I would say. You know, maybe coming the end of his career but what a career he’s had.

 

“You know, he really -him and Marcelo - probably took left-backs to a whole new level.”

 

Nineteen-year-old Davies particularly impressed in Bayern's 8-2 thrashing of Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final last week, and he created a phenomenal assist by running 80 yards and beating Nelson Semedo before setting up Joshua Kimmich for his side's fifth goal.

 

Robertson was impressed by what he saw, but warned Reds supporters to not demand him to do something similar next season.

 

“Yeah, don’t be expecting me to do that any time in a hurry!" he added. "That was just incredible, he probably took five or six of them out of the game with one passage of play.

"So, phenomenal player, someone I enjoy watching and I think the whole world’s enjoying watching him at the minute - and I’m no different.”

Davies will next be in action on Wednesday as Bayern take on Lyon in the last four to decide who will take on the winners of RB Leipzig v PSG in Sunday's final.

Good man Andy on trying to drive his price up, didnt quite work but worth a go.

[davieG]

https://www.football365.com/news/leicester-transfer-sorcery-maguire-chilwell-opinion

 

Leicester and some kind of transfer sorcery…
Date published: Friday 28th August 2020 8:08

It’s like some kind of sorcery. Too little is made of the magic that has taken place in Leicester. More impressive even than the perfect storm of their 2015/26 title win is their sustained improvement over the last four seasons while selling one player every summer for over £30m. And no, that is not a sign of weakness or a lack of ambition but extraordinary transfer business. Strength for those outside the financial elite is not always about keeping players but about knowing the optimum time to sell and eking out the most generous fee. Leicester have absolutely nailed it.

The key is clearly to sell just one a year – Riyad Mahrez had to impatiently wait after someone inexplicably offered over £30m for Danny Drinkwater in 2017, while Ben Chilwell won the race with James Maddison to leave for Champions League football in 2020. Others can now form an orderly queue – at least five players (Maddison, Wilfred Ndidi, Youri Tielemans, Caglar Soyuncu and Ricardo Pereira) would command similar fees and a sixth (Harvey Barnes) could strengthen his case for similar billing next season. To have that depth of talent and, let’s be honest, value in their squad and still emerge with a positive net spend over the last two years is astonishing.

Only Palace can claim to be similarly in the black since 2018, and that is pretty much solely down to the sale of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, an anomaly of a player and a transfer more indicative of Manchester United largesse than any actual Palace policy. The south Londoners have spent practically nothing in that time while Leicester have invested more than either Liverpool or Spurs while simultaneously selling players for more than £200m. Clubs with similar ambitions – Everton, West Ham, Wolves – have only mastered the most expensive half of that magic trick.

All this and yet Leicester continue to improve – from 44 to 47 to 52 to 62 points last season, when their tired stumble over the line obscured what they had actually achieved. When the dust had settled, we calculated that only Sheffield United had performed better against expectations. And this without a centre-half – and student of Greek ancient history – who became the most expensive defender in world football when he joined Manchester United. We suspect that they will similarly shrug off the loss of Chilwell; if you are going to lose a player for £45m, make it your second-best full-back.

And still they emerge. At 24, Soyuncu was easily the oldest player in Leicester’s back four as they won a friendly on Wednesday afternoon, while 18-year-old midfielder Sidnei Tavares was this pre-season’s first recipient of a Rodgers ‘outstanding’; stay patient, young man, and you could be 2025’s summer transfer to Chelsea

 

 

 

[HighPeakFox]

24 minutes ago, davieG said:

All this and yet Leicester continue to improve – from 44 to 81 to 47 to 52 to 62 points last season, when their tired stumble over the line obscured what they had actually achieved. When the dust had settled, we calculated that only Sheffield United had performed better against expectations. And this without a centre-half – and student of Greek ancient history – who became the most expensive defender in world football when he joined Manchester United. We suspect that they will similarly shrug off the loss of Chilwell; if you are going to lose a player for £45m, make it your second-best full-back.

Leaving out a fact like that slightly weakens (or helps I suppose) the author's argument...I take the point, but you just cannot leave a stat out because it doesn't suit.

Edited 28 August 2020 by HighPeakFox