Leicester - The Next Generation...

[StanSP]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52530898

 

A lot of probably what we know already... 

 

 

With just two first-team players at their peak, Leicester's mix of title-winning veterans and top-class young talent makes it arguably the most unique squad in the Premier League.

 



 

 

With Christian Fuchs and Wes Morgan leaving, Brendan Rodgers will need defenders, while the club will one day have to attempt the Herculean task of finding the successor to Jamie Vardy, who turned 33 in January.

 

The emergence of Caglar Soyuncu and Harvey Barnes means the Foxes have as many as six fantastic young prospects in the first team that Rodgers will hope he can keep together for next season. 

 

[Poznan34]

Seems like a re-hash of an article they ran a few months ago.

 

Edit: found it, last June actually, fair enough: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48473708

[Jimothy]

9 minutes ago, Poznan34 said:

Seems like a re-hash of an article they ran a few months ago.

 

Edit: found it, last June actually, fair enough: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48473708

Ghezzal was at his peak 

[Alf Bentley]

Interesting and encouraging, though also a reminder that our first XI is a lot stronger than our squad.

 

Age alone is a bit of a blunt tool for judging these things. Certain positions, like keeper and centre back, reach their peak later than others.

I'd see Evans and Schmeichel as being at "peak / late peak" stage. Although fitness regimes and pitches have improved, Vardy is a bit of a freak exception for his position & style of play - maybe benefiting from his late start at professional level & his drive?

 

Let's hope that all the regulars and a few of the back-ups stay put. Ricardo and Ndidi are the ones who worry me most - both arguably in the top 2 for their position in the PL & would be of interest to top teams in Europe, too.

Though Justin looks an excellent understudy at right-back/wing-back. Hopefully, if CL happens and we're in it, that will encourage all the important players to stay put for at least another year.....

 

If we do end up in the CL, we're going to need squad reinforcements, aren't we? Tricky task getting players good enough to play a part but who are not demanding to play every week....young prospects? older players winding down?

I wonder how happy Praet is with the amount he's playing at his age?

 

Funny to be reminded how young the likes of Ndidi and Chilwell still are - even younger than Soyuncu....

[urban.spaceman]

 

2 hours ago, Poznan34 said:

Seems like a re-hash of an article they ran a few months ago.

 

Edit: found it, last June actually, fair enough: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48473708

 

 

Interesting to compare and contrast with last season...

 

Allowing Shinji, Simpson and Iborra to move on was crucial. Silva needs to be moved on permanently as he was an utter disaster. Ghezzal too.

 

I'd probably still keep Fuchs and Morgan around personally as they're big figures amongst the squad.

 

But for the under 24s it's great to see how many have got more game time - Barnes, Soyuncu, Tielemans (yes I know) - though what this chart doesn't show us is how brilliant Kelechi has been for us this season when we really needed another option.

 

It's quite frightening to see how well we're doing with so many players yet to hit their peak. We definitely need to keep this team together as much as possible. Nobody is for sale at any cost. 

[TeamRocket]

Can we put vardy age down some how so hes always 30

[goody2028]

Vardy certainly not playing like he’s past his prime. Think he’s the definition of age is just a number as it stands. As long as he keeps playing like he is who can complain. 

Prospect is looking amazing - 5 players who have established themselves into a premier league team sitting in 3rd place at the age of 22/23

[Collymore]

[Leeds Fox]

3 hours ago, Alf Bentley said:

Interesting and encouraging, though also a reminder that our first XI is a lot stronger than our squad.

 

Age alone is a bit of a blunt tool for judging these things. Certain positions, like keeper and centre back, reach their peak later than others.

I'd see Evans and Schmeichel as being at "peak / late peak" stage. Although fitness regimes and pitches have improved, Vardy is a bit of a freak exception for his position & style of play - maybe benefiting from his late start at professional level & his drive?

 

Let's hope that all the regulars and a few of the back-ups stay put. Ricardo and Ndidi are the ones who worry me most - both arguably in the top 2 for their position in the PL & would be of interest to top teams in Europe, too.

Though Justin looks an excellent understudy at right-back/wing-back. Hopefully, if CL happens and we're in it, that will encourage all the important players to stay put for at least another year.....

 

If we do end up in the CL, we're going to need squad reinforcements, aren't we? Tricky task getting players good enough to play a part but who are not demanding to play every week....young prospects? older players winding down?

I wonder how happy Praet is with the amount he's playing at his age?

 

Funny to be reminded how young the likes of Ndidi and Chilwell still are - even younger than Soyuncu....

To me that’s exactly what the graph is suggesting... isn’t it? 

[Alf Bentley]

5 minutes ago, Leeds Fox said:

To me that’s exactly what the graph is suggesting... isn’t it? 

 

My understanding is that the headings "Past their prime?", "Peak" and "Prospect" refer to the 3 sections, not the age lines 36, 30 & 24. 

 

If so, Evans, Schmeichel and Vardy are in the "Past their prime?" category. Admittedly, that has a question mark so is not saying every player over 30 is definitely past their prime.

 

If the headings applied to the 36, 30 & 24 lines, there'd be no players "past their prime?" - and Ndidi, Maddison & co wouldn't have even achieved the status of "prospects".... 

[Leeds Fox]

7 minutes ago, Alf Bentley said:

 

My understanding is that the headings "Past their prime?", "Peak" and "Prospect" refer to the 3 sections, not the age lines 36, 30 & 24. 

 

If so, Evans, Schmeichel and Vardy are in the "Past their prime?" category. Admittedly, that has a question mark so is not saying every player over 30 is definitely past their prime.

 

If the headings applied to the 36, 30 & 24 lines, there'd be no players "past their prime?" - and Ndidi, Maddison & co wouldn't have even achieved the status of "prospects".... 

I see, I interpreted differently to you. Either way, we know that Vardy and Kasper aren’t past it at the minute so let’s ignore those anomalies on the graph 

 

Edit: and Evans of course. 

[StriderHiryu]

We have an amazing team and squad, and are lucky to have a great coach that will improve this lot even further. Vardy, Evans and Kasper will all probably go on for another 3 more years I reckon, the latter two possibly even longer.

 

A few more astute signings and we can be a perennial fixture in the top 4 for a number of seasons which is insane if you stop to think about it. One of the reasons why Liverpool and Man City have been so strong for the last few seasons is that the majority of their core team are in their peak years right now, whereas we are around 2-3 years away from that happening. Admittedly by that time Vardy will be quite old, but Fabio Quagliarella in Italy was top scorer with 26 goals last season at the age of 36. The Premier League may be physically more demanding but Vary has shown it's not all about his pace, this season it's been his movement and clinical finishing more than anything that have propelled him up the charts. I think even in 3 years time he will be hitting 10-15 goals a season even if he's more of a bench / rotation player at that point.

 

Add to this the new Seagrave complex and Stadium improvements and the next 5 years should be great. It will probably only be after that cycle is completed where we have to somewhat rebuild again that it might be tricky. Notably Rodgers contract ends around then, so it wouldn't surprise me if that's the long term strategy of the club - build up this core together till they all reach their peak, hopefully win something, then start all over again this time with a better youth setup to give us a leg up next time around.

 

The club is so well run, it's hard to think back to days such as Taylor destroying the club in the space of 12 months by sending established stars packing and some of the dark days in the Championship.

[yorkie1999]

2 hours ago, goody2028 said:

Vardy certainly not playing like he’s past his prime. Think he’s the definition of age is just a number as it stands. As long as he keeps playing like he is who can complain. 

Prospect is looking amazing - 5 players who have established themselves into a premier league team sitting in 3rd place at the age of 22/23

Nor Evans. I think i read an article that he say's this is his best season yet as far as injuries are concerned.

[LanguedocFox]

The Beeb piece shows just how much potential we have as a club, although so much depends on us keeping our best players. I'm old enough to remember the sickening feeling when a player got 'too big for  the club', and it's brilliant to feel we have the muscle and the overall management to grow the club. Long may it continue.

[mozartfox]

19 hours ago, urban.spaceman said:

 

 

 

Interesting to compare and contrast with last season...

 

Allowing Shinji, Simpson and Iborra to move on was crucial. Silva needs to be moved on permanently as he was an utter disaster. Ghezzal too.

 

I'd probably still keep Fuchs and Morgan around personally as they're big figures amongst the squad.

 

But for the under 24s it's great to see how many have got more game time - Barnes, Soyuncu, Tielemans (yes I know) - though what this chart doesn't show us is how brilliant Kelechi has been for us this season when we really needed another option.

 

It's quite frightening to see how well we're doing with so many players yet to hit their peak. We definitely need to keep this team together as much as possible. Nobody is for sale at any cost. 

I doubt we can keep Morgan and Fuchs beyond this season as we will need to trim the wage bill going forward. Cash will need to spread out more prudently.

[BKLFox]

12 minutes ago, mozartfox said:

I doubt we can keep Morgan and Fuchs beyond this season as we will need to trim the wage bill going forward. Cash will need to spread out more prudently.

Agree, At some point the head has to overtake the heart but I think both players know their roles in the squad now so as long as they happy and money fits then keep them on. 

A new high calibre CB is required as it doesn’t look like any of the development squad are knocking on the door just yet and as they are 22-23yrs now time is running out, anybody seen anything of any of the CBs on loan to think they can do a Proper backup job?

 

With the injury to RP we now have no dual cover in JJ as he will need to be played at RB which shows the lack of depth we have in those 2 positions for the way Rogers wants to play, again no DS player coming to the fore, maybe Mitch Clarke, so if Ben stays we need another dynamic LB and some of the names mentioned are promising, if he goes we need 2 more unless MC can step up.

 

[Lesta2014]

2 hours ago, BKLFox said:

Agree, At some point the head has to overtake the heart but I think both players know their roles in the squad now so as long as they happy and money fits then keep them on. 

A new high calibre CB is required as it doesn’t look like any of the development squad are knocking on the door just yet and as they are 22-23yrs now time is running out, anybody seen anything of any of the CBs on loan to think they can do a Proper backup job?

 

With the injury to RP we now have no dual cover in JJ as he will need to be played at RB which shows the lack of depth we have in those 2 positions for the way Rogers wants to play, again no DS player coming to the fore, maybe Mitch Clarke, so if Ben stays we need another dynamic LB and some of the names mentioned are promising, if he goes we need 2 more unless MC can step up.

 

There is high hopes for Luke Thomas at Lb and also Calvin ughelumba is well rated too so maybe one of them will push through

[BKLFox]

1 hour ago, Lesta2014 said:

There is high hopes for Luke Thomas at Lb and also Calvin ughelumba is well rated too so maybe one of them will push through

Looks like those that were destined to make the jump haven’t progressed as they should as Clarke and the names you mention are younger.

I think Kiernan D’Hall is probably the next to break in but he faces stiff competition in that midfield area now, he’s doing well at B’Pool from reports + my neighbour who supports B’pool gives him a good mention so positive there.

Slightly worried for Hamza atm if we are looking for another DM type 

 

[mozartfox]

4 hours ago, pmcla26 said:

Think it would cost more to sign players in their positions mate with transfer/agent fees etc. than signing Fuchs and Morgan up to new one year deals each

I was thinking more of promoting within as back up. Wes will be 37 midway through next season. If the pair cost us UKP 50k a week that would be a total of UKP 2.6m for one season. If we can spunk that sort cash away without a care, we have no worries post COVID-19.

[Nicolo Barella]

I think our midfield depth is good. At full health we have five midfielders who I would happily start in any game, and only three positions to put them in.

 

Defence could use a little depth. I'd happily re-sign Fuchs, but Morgan is too old for me. I'd happily keep him around as a presence at the club in some regard, perhaps training as a coach or something, but he looked uncomfortable every time I saw him on the pitch. So I think one big centreback signing is what the doctor ordered, with Benkovic as 4th choice meaning our centreback depth would be solid. Potentially loaning out Ughelumba and/or Thomas to see if they can offer us something when Fuchs eventually leaves. 

 

Attack is where we're falling short right now imo. We have lots of "depth" there, but not enough quality. I'd say if we only made two signings - a very good centreback and a very good attacker of some sort (preferably a winger) - we would be set for next season.

[NaijaFox]

On 08/05/2020 at 10:01, Nicolo Barella said:

I think our midfield depth is good. At full health we have five midfielders who I would happily start in any game, and only three positions to put them in.

 

Defence could use a little depth. I'd happily re-sign Fuchs, but Morgan is too old for me. I'd happily keep him around as a presence at the club in some regard, perhaps training as a coach or something, but he looked uncomfortable every time I saw him on the pitch. So I think one big centreback signing is what the doctor ordered, with Benkovic as 4th choice meaning our centreback depth would be solid. Potentially loaning out Ughelumba and/or Thomas to see if they can offer us something when Fuchs eventually leaves. 

 

Attack is where we're falling short right now imo. We have lots of "depth" there, but not enough quality. I'd say if we only made two signings - a very good centreback and a very good attacker of some sort (preferably a winger) - we would be set for next season.

Mendy won't be around next season though. 

[NaijaFox]

On 07/05/2020 at 09:36, StriderHiryu said:

We have an amazing team and squad, and are lucky to have a great coach that will improve this lot even further. Vardy, Evans and Kasper will all probably go on for another 3 more years I reckon, the latter two possibly even longer.

 

A few more astute signings and we can be a perennial fixture in the top 4 for a number of seasons which is insane if you stop to think about it. One of the reasons why Liverpool and Man City have been so strong for the last few seasons is that the majority of their core team are in their peak years right now, whereas we are around 2-3 years away from that happening. Admittedly by that time Vardy will be quite old, but Fabio Quagliarella in Italy was top scorer with 26 goals last season at the age of 36. The Premier League may be physically more demanding but Vary has shown it's not all about his pace, this season it's been his movement and clinical finishing more than anything that have propelled him up the charts. I think even in 3 years time he will be hitting 10-15 goals a season even if he's more of a bench / rotation player at that point.

 

Add to this the new Seagrave complex and Stadium improvements and the next 5 years should be great. It will probably only be after that cycle is completed where we have to somewhat rebuild again that it might be tricky. Notably Rodgers contract ends around then, so it wouldn't surprise me if that's the long term strategy of the club - build up this core together till they all reach their peak, hopefully win something, then start all over again this time with a better youth setup to give us a leg up next time around.

 

The club is so well run, it's hard to think back to days such as Taylor destroying the club in the space of 12 months by sending established stars packing and some of the dark days in the Championship.

Wish I was as optimistic as you. Will be glad if Evans has one more great season for us, but I suspect that we might start to see some niggly injuries next season and declining output thereafter. With Vardy, I think we can squeeze out 1 or 2 top-quality seasons.

 

[Nicolo Barella]

1 hour ago, NaijaFox said:

Mendy won't be around next season though. 

Ndidi, Maddison, Tielemans, Praet, and Choudhury

[The Quick Brown Fox]

Iheanacho only being 23 (which surprised me) is big thing for us, I think he has a lot to offer and could potentially replace JV. A different type of player but one that will get us goals.