Observations from Preseason

[StriderHiryu]

We are almost done with preseason now and I think there’s a number of interesting observations and topics to discuss. So let’s do that here!

 

Tactics

 

Last season we predominantly used a 433 with Maddison as RW and 3 Central Midfielders. But so far in preseason we’ve seen two lineups, a 352 and back to the 4231 with Maddison as a 10. And the 4231 has looked very good, despite not featuring Ndidi or Tielemans.

Why are we doing this? We’ve looked at our best in either 4141 or 4231 so that’s easy enough to understand. I also think it’s because we have fewer games to play this season, meaning we can play a higher line and high press more often. 433 under Rodgers was more controlled whereas Maddison behind Vardy is tough for anyone to deal with. But am I reading too much into it?
 

Tons of Firepower

 

Daka has 3 in 3. Vardy a brace. Nacho on the scoresheet, Maddison and Barnes too. This team has goals in it and it’s unreal that we have 3 excellent strikers. I bet Brighton wished they had one striker as good as any one of ours. The XG merchants can get in the bin, this team has goals galore in it. However…

 

Lack of Wide Options

 

Albrighton’s not getting any younger. Perez is Perez. Lookman is back at Leipzig even though I bet Rodgers would have him back here in a heartbeat. Maybe that’s why we have the 352 as our alternative system - because we have options at wingback and Striker but not at wide forward. 
 

Soumare or Tielemans 

 

He’s responsible for one of our iconic moments of all time but Tielemans is running his contract down. Soumare was awful last season and started preseason awfully this time round. But whisper it quietly but has our master plan of buying Youri’s replacement one year early to bed him in and then take over actually worked? Well to claim so would be maximum hyperbole but he’s looked quite good in the last two games? Difficult picturing him starting ahead of Ndidi and Tielemans but maybe?

 

Will they Stay or Go?

 

We’ve been putting out two teams and it’s noticeable that one has players like Praet, Soyuncu, Vestergaard, Tielemans in it and the other doesn’t. Castagne has also been in that team too, who would be a disappointing player to lose. Praet has looked good in his appearances, Soyuncu too. So in a season with 5 substitutes even if we sign no one we’d have decent cover and options. I personally like the decision not to play Youri in the main team whilst his future is undecided, but I bet he comes back in against Sevilla.

 

Are we actually quite good?

 

Sure we haven’t played anyone good yet, but we didn’t play anyone good in the entire 15/16 season . In the last few games we’ve been scoring goals, making lots of chances and played good football. KDH, Vardy, Barnes and Maddison all playing well. Is it possible that a game every 3 days during Covid with no break due to international football plus an injury crisis was a decent excuse after all? We still don’t know what we’ll be like defending set pieces but we’ve put some excellent halves of football together so far. 
 

 

All in all I’m feeling much more optimistic about this season from what I’ve seen. I worried we might have become stale… players not motivated and just going through the motions. But that’s definitely not the case. Teams around us have strengthened, we have not and that’s a worry. But the team we have is a proven one and know how one another play. 
 

What’s your take on these topics and more? Let me know!

 

 

Edited 23 July 2022 by StriderHiryu

[taupe]

Overall, I was impressed with how quickly we've moved the ball. Plus, we've seemed more inclined to look for the quick, long ball for Daka/Vardy. We've played with much more intent. I would have liked to have seen us defend a bit more but we've not really faced any tough opposition - building confidence is important so I understand why we've concentrated on front foot stuff.

 

I've also been impressed with how we looked as a squad. The b team/reserves looking as sharp and able to take their place. We could see effective rotation with the squad we have. I'm hopeful Cags is coming back, signs are there.

 

In short, I feel more confident and optimistic in the absence of this much talked about refresh not happening.

[Fox seen in Norwich]

Can’t argue against anything you e said.. I’ve been pleasantly surprised with pre-season performances. KDH continuing to develop is a bit like a new signing. Madders being on it could get us in too real good form.

 

Anxious about an injury to Jonny or Wes, especially if soy leaves but overall optimistic

 

Going in to new season however, with Albrighton and Perez as RW options is as bad as me continuing to wear old boxers with the elastic no longer elasticated.. just about does the job but could really do with a new pair

Edited 23 July 2022 by Fox seen in Norwich

[urban.spaceman]

I really like these double bill friendlies and think it would be a good idea if the club did them every summer and held a full day experience at the KP.

[TheStig]

36 minutes ago, StriderHiryu said:

We are almost done with preseason now and I think there’s a number of interesting observations and topics to discuss. So let’s do that here!

 

Tactics

 

Last season we predominantly used a 433 with Maddison as RW and 3 Central Midfielders. But so far in preseason we’ve seen two lineups, a 352 and back to the 4231 with Maddison as a 10. And the 4231 has looked very good, despite not featuring Ndidi or Tielemans.

Why are we doing this? We’ve looked at our best in either 4141 or 4231 so that’s easy enough to understand. I also think it’s because we have fewer games to play this season, meaning we can play a higher line and high press more often. 433 under Rodgers was more controlled whereas Maddison behind Vardy is tough for anyone to deal with. But am I reading too much into it?
 

Tons of Firepower

 

Daka has 3 in 3. Vardy a brace. Nacho on the scoresheet, Maddison and Barnes too. This team has goals in it and it’s unreal that we have 3 excellent strikers. I bet Brighton wished they had one striker as good as any one of ours. The XG merchants can get in the bin, this team has goals galore in it. However…

 

Lack of Wide Options

 

Albrighton’s not getting any younger. Perez is Perez. Lookman is back at Leipzig even though I bet Rodgers would have him back here in a heartbeat. Maybe that’s why we have the 352 as our alternative system - because we have options at wingback and Striker but not at wide forward. 
 

Soumare or Tielemans 

 

He’s responsible for one of our iconic moments of all time but Tielemans is running his contract down. Soumare was awful last season and started preseason awfully this time round. But whisper it quietly but has our master plan of buying Youri’s replacement one year early to bed him in and then take over actually worked? Well to claim so would be maximum hyperbole but he’s looked quite good in the last two games? Difficult picturing him starting ahead of Ndidi and Tielemans but maybe?

 

Will they Stay or Go?

 

We’ve been putting out two teams and it’s noticeable that one has players like Praet, Soyuncu, Vestergaard, Tielemans in it and the other doesn’t. Castagne has also been in that team too, who would be a disappointing player to lose. Praet has looked good in his appearances, Soyuncu too. So in a season with 5 substitutes even if we sign no one we’d have decent cover and options. I personally like the decision not to play Youri in the main team whilst his future is undecided, but I bet he comes back in against Sevilla.

 

Are we actually quite good?

 

Sure we haven’t played anyone good yet, but we didn’t play anyone good in the entire 15/16 season . In the last few games we’ve been scoring goals, making lots of chances and played good football. KDH, Vardy, Barnes and Maddison all playing well. Is it possible that a game every 3 days during Covid with no break due to international football plus an injury crisis was a decent excuse after all? We still don’t know what we’ll be like defending set pieces but we’ve put some excellent halves of football together so far. 
 

 

All in all I’m feeling much more optimistic about this season from what I’ve seen. I worried we might have become stale… players not motivated and just going through the motions. But that’s definitely not the case. Teams around us have strengthened, we have not and that’s a worry. But the team we have is a proven one and know how one another play. 
 

What’s your take on these topics and more? Let me know!

 

 

Agree and good evaluation of the situation. Whats your take on the goalkeeping issue?

[Legend_in_blue]

We've looked pretty decent but, as always, we look 2 players short.  We could be making a real challenge for top 6 that much easier but instead will have to do it the usual hard way by the looks of it and hope that a couple of teams underperform whilst ours stays injury free.

[lgfualol]

Almost every player just looks like they have some confidence back to me. There doesnt seem to be hiding from the ball and it's all just looks a lot calmer. Maybe it's just because it's preseason, but hopefully it's all taken into the season. 

 

We do need a RW though, it's been so obvious for so long and would be a total game changer. Perez and Albrighton work hard but dont really scare any defenders like Barnes.

[ALC Fox]

Calum Wright looks to be a good squad option. Hopefully we can have him on the bench to replace Maddison, for example. That'll help prevent Maddison from going into the red zone and hopefully give Wright some PL experience to aid his development. Either that or get him a Championship loan to a promotion-chasing side.

[MarriedaLeicesterGirl]

37 minutes ago, StriderHiryu said:

We are almost done with preseason now and I think there’s a number of interesting observations and topics to discuss. So let’s do that here!

 

Tactics

 

Last season we predominantly used a 433 with Maddison as RW and 3 Central Midfielders. But so far in preseason we’ve seen two lineups, a 352 and back to the 4231 with Maddison as a 10. And the 4231 has looked very good, despite not featuring Ndidi or Tielemans.

Why are we doing this? We’ve looked at our best in either 4141 or 4231 so that’s easy enough to understand. I also think it’s because we have fewer games to play this season, meaning we can play a higher line and high press more often. 433 under Rodgers was more controlled whereas Maddison behind Vardy is tough for anyone to deal with. But am I reading too much into it?
 

Tons of Firepower

 

Daka has 3 in 3. Vardy a brace. Nacho on the scoresheet, Maddison and Barnes too. This team has goals in it and it’s unreal that we have 3 excellent strikers. I bet Brighton wished they had one striker as good as any one of ours. The XG merchants can get in the bin, this team has goals galore in it. However…

 

Lack of Wide Options

 

Albrighton’s not getting any younger. Perez is Perez. Lookman is back at Leipzig even though I bet Rodgers would have him back here in a heartbeat. Maybe that’s why we have the 352 as our alternative system - because we have options at wingback and Striker but not at wide forward. 
 

Soumare or Tielemans 

 

He’s responsible for one of our iconic moments of all time but Tielemans is running his contract down. Soumare was awful last season and started preseason awfully this time round. But whisper it quietly but has our master plan of buying Youri’s replacement one year early to bed him in and then take over actually worked? Well to claim so would be maximum hyperbole but he’s looked quite good in the last two games? Difficult picturing him starting ahead of Ndidi and Tielemans but maybe?

 

Will they Stay or Go?

 

We’ve been putting out two teams and it’s noticeable that one has players like Praet, Soyuncu, Vestergaard, Tielemans in it and the other doesn’t. Castagne has also been in that team too, who would be a disappointing player to lose. Praet has looked good in his appearances, Soyuncu too. So in a season with 5 substitutes even if we sign no one we’d have decent cover and options. I personally like the decision not to play Youri in the main team whilst his future is undecided, but I bet he comes back in against Sevilla.

 

Are we actually quite good?

 

Sure we haven’t played anyone good yet, but we didn’t play anyone good in the entire 15/16 season . In the last few games we’ve been scoring goals, making lots of chances and played good football. KDH, Vardy, Barnes and Maddison all playing well. Is it possible that a game every 3 days during Covid with no break due to international football plus an injury crisis was a decent excuse after all? We still don’t know what we’ll be like defending set pieces but we’ve put some excellent halves of football together so far. 
 

 

All in all I’m feeling much more optimistic about this season from what I’ve seen. I worried we might have become stale… players not motivated and just going through the motions. But that’s definitely not the case. Teams around us have strengthened, we have not and that’s a worry. But the team we have is a proven one and know how one another play. 
 

What’s your take on these topics and more? Let me know!

 

 

On tactics, I think Brendan really likes a 4-2-3-1 (or 4-1-4-1, with Youri more forward)...However, truth is, we have really good strikers, and we need a way to get more of them on the pitch.

 

Firepower...Our Strikers are amazing, Maddison, Barnes, hopefully our fullbacks and CM'S can chip in a few. Compared to last pre-season, it is raining goals. I am convinced we will buy a RW, but it will be after the season starts.

 

I think Soumare is gone...Youri, who knows? We are going to have to shift players, and hopefully this pre-season will have been a good shop window. However, we play 6 games (5 league, 1 League Cup) before the window closes, and I expect a lot of business to be done during this period.

 

Are we good? Yes. Our best 11 is very, very good. This pre-season is the best Rodgers has ever had, despite not being "backed" with transfers. If he has a strong start, I expect him to get a few quality transfers in before Sept. 1.

 

The first 4 PL games will probably be the most important start of a season since our title win.

[MarriedaLeicesterGirl]

1 minute ago, ALC Fox said:

Calum Wright looks to be a good squad option. Hopefully we can have him on the bench to replace Maddison, for example. That'll help prevent Maddison from going into the red zone and hopefully give Wright some PL experience to aid his development. Either that or get him a Championship loan to a promotion-chasing side.

I like the look of Wright and think he could be a good backup to Maddison or even given a go at RW. I am really intrigued how the 5 sub rule will affect the thinking of the 25-man squad.

[SafewayFox]

Top quality evaluation as always.

 

The lack of wide options is so painful, we have to realistically cut at least 2 CM’s from the squad and add a starting 11 RW and add a versatile (he’s obviously much better on the left) Lookman type player.

 

If we did that and replaced Vesty with a CB who can run and doesn’t get knocked off the ball by the wind….we have a very good squad.

 

I haven’t even considered Bertrand as to me, he’s just an overpaid kit lady 😜

[Shane]

1 hour ago, StriderHiryu said:

We are almost done with preseason now and I think there’s a number of interesting observations and topics to discuss. So let’s do that here!

 

Tactics

 

Last season we predominantly used a 433 with Maddison as RW and 3 Central Midfielders. But so far in preseason we’ve seen two lineups, a 352 and back to the 4231 with Maddison as a 10. And the 4231 has looked very good, despite not featuring Ndidi or Tielemans.

Why are we doing this? We’ve looked at our best in either 4141 or 4231 so that’s easy enough to understand. I also think it’s because we have fewer games to play this season, meaning we can play a higher line and high press more often. 433 under Rodgers was more controlled whereas Maddison behind Vardy is tough for anyone to deal with. But am I reading too much into it?
 

Tons of Firepower

 

Daka has 3 in 3. Vardy a brace. Nacho on the scoresheet, Maddison and Barnes too. This team has goals in it and it’s unreal that we have 3 excellent strikers. I bet Brighton wished they had one striker as good as any one of ours. The XG merchants can get in the bin, this team has goals galore in it. However…

 

Lack of Wide Options

 

Albrighton’s not getting any younger. Perez is Perez. Lookman is back at Leipzig even though I bet Rodgers would have him back here in a heartbeat. Maybe that’s why we have the 352 as our alternative system - because we have options at wingback and Striker but not at wide forward. 
 

Soumare or Tielemans 

 

He’s responsible for one of our iconic moments of all time but Tielemans is running his contract down. Soumare was awful last season and started preseason awfully this time round. But whisper it quietly but has our master plan of buying Youri’s replacement one year early to bed him in and then take over actually worked? Well to claim so would be maximum hyperbole but he’s looked quite good in the last two games? Difficult picturing him starting ahead of Ndidi and Tielemans but maybe?

 

Will they Stay or Go?

 

We’ve been putting out two teams and it’s noticeable that one has players like Praet, Soyuncu, Vestergaard, Tielemans in it and the other doesn’t. Castagne has also been in that team too, who would be a disappointing player to lose. Praet has looked good in his appearances, Soyuncu too. So in a season with 5 substitutes even if we sign no one we’d have decent cover and options. I personally like the decision not to play Youri in the main team whilst his future is undecided, but I bet he comes back in against Sevilla.

 

Are we actually quite good?

 

Sure we haven’t played anyone good yet, but we didn’t play anyone good in the entire 15/16 season . In the last few games we’ve been scoring goals, making lots of chances and played good football. KDH, Vardy, Barnes and Maddison all playing well. Is it possible that a game every 3 days during Covid with no break due to international football plus an injury crisis was a decent excuse after all? We still don’t know what we’ll be like defending set pieces but we’ve put some excellent halves of football together so far. 
 

 

All in all I’m feeling much more optimistic about this season from what I’ve seen. I worried we might have become stale… players not motivated and just going through the motions. But that’s definitely not the case. Teams around us have strengthened, we have not and that’s a worry. But the team we have is a proven one and know how one another play. 
 

What’s your take on these topics and more? Let me know!

 

 

What are your thoughts on Callum Wright? Do you think he will be included in the 25 man squad

[Scotch]

1 hour ago, StriderHiryu said:

We are almost done with preseason now and I think there’s a number of interesting observations and topics to discuss. So let’s do that here!

 

Tactics

 

Last season we predominantly used a 433 with Maddison as RW and 3 Central Midfielders. But so far in preseason we’ve seen two lineups, a 352 and back to the 4231 with Maddison as a 10. And the 4231 has looked very good, despite not featuring Ndidi or Tielemans.

Why are we doing this? We’ve looked at our best in either 4141 or 4231 so that’s easy enough to understand. I also think it’s because we have fewer games to play this season, meaning we can play a higher line and high press more often. 433 under Rodgers was more controlled whereas Maddison behind Vardy is tough for anyone to deal with. But am I reading too much into it?
 

Tons of Firepower

 

Daka has 3 in 3. Vardy a brace. Nacho on the scoresheet, Maddison and Barnes too. This team has goals in it and it’s unreal that we have 3 excellent strikers. I bet Brighton wished they had one striker as good as any one of ours. The XG merchants can get in the bin, this team has goals galore in it. However…

 

Lack of Wide Options

 

Albrighton’s not getting any younger. Perez is Perez. Lookman is back at Leipzig even though I bet Rodgers would have him back here in a heartbeat. Maybe that’s why we have the 352 as our alternative system - because we have options at wingback and Striker but not at wide forward. 
 

Soumare or Tielemans 

 

He’s responsible for one of our iconic moments of all time but Tielemans is running his contract down. Soumare was awful last season and started preseason awfully this time round. But whisper it quietly but has our master plan of buying Youri’s replacement one year early to bed him in and then take over actually worked? Well to claim so would be maximum hyperbole but he’s looked quite good in the last two games? Difficult picturing him starting ahead of Ndidi and Tielemans but maybe?

 

Will they Stay or Go?

 

We’ve been putting out two teams and it’s noticeable that one has players like Praet, Soyuncu, Vestergaard, Tielemans in it and the other doesn’t. Castagne has also been in that team too, who would be a disappointing player to lose. Praet has looked good in his appearances, Soyuncu too. So in a season with 5 substitutes even if we sign no one we’d have decent cover and options. I personally like the decision not to play Youri in the main team whilst his future is undecided, but I bet he comes back in against Sevilla.

 

Are we actually quite good?

 

Sure we haven’t played anyone good yet, but we didn’t play anyone good in the entire 15/16 season . In the last few games we’ve been scoring goals, making lots of chances and played good football. KDH, Vardy, Barnes and Maddison all playing well. Is it possible that a game every 3 days during Covid with no break due to international football plus an injury crisis was a decent excuse after all? We still don’t know what we’ll be like defending set pieces but we’ve put some excellent halves of football together so far. 
 

 

All in all I’m feeling much more optimistic about this season from what I’ve seen. I worried we might have become stale… players not motivated and just going through the motions. But that’s definitely not the case. Teams around us have strengthened, we have not and that’s a worry. But the team we have is a proven one and know how one another play. 
 

What’s your take on these topics and more? Let me know!

 

 

On the subject of Soumare...

 

He has looked decent but IIRC he looked decent last pre season too. This would play into what we already know about him in that he plays better at the slower tempo of pre season games, or the french league. The minute the tempo hits PL level, that's when we will see if he's finally settled into the team (which I sincerely hope he has). 

[Bordersfox]

52 minutes ago, StriderHiryu said:

We are almost done with preseason now and I think there’s a number of interesting observations and topics to discuss. So let’s do that here!

 

Tactics

 

Last season we predominantly used a 433 with Maddison as RW and 3 Central Midfielders. But so far in preseason we’ve seen two lineups, a 352 and back to the 4231 with Maddison as a 10. And the 4231 has looked very good, despite not featuring Ndidi or Tielemans.

Why are we doing this? We’ve looked at our best in either 4141 or 4231 so that’s easy enough to understand. I also think it’s because we have fewer games to play this season, meaning we can play a higher line and high press more often. 433 under Rodgers was more controlled whereas Maddison behind Vardy is tough for anyone to deal with. But am I reading too much into it?
 

Tons of Firepower

 

Daka has 3 in 3. Vardy a brace. Nacho on the scoresheet, Maddison and Barnes too. This team has goals in it and it’s unreal that we have 3 excellent strikers. I bet Brighton wished they had one striker as good as any one of ours. The XG merchants can get in the bin, this team has goals galore in it. However…

 

Lack of Wide Options

 

Albrighton’s not getting any younger. Perez is Perez. Lookman is back at Leipzig even though I bet Rodgers would have him back here in a heartbeat. Maybe that’s why we have the 352 as our alternative system - because we have options at wingback and Striker but not at wide forward. 
 

Soumare or Tielemans 

 

He’s responsible for one of our iconic moments of all time but Tielemans is running his contract down. Soumare was awful last season and started preseason awfully this time round. But whisper it quietly but has our master plan of buying Youri’s replacement one year early to bed him in and then take over actually worked? Well to claim so would be maximum hyperbole but he’s looked quite good in the last two games? Difficult picturing him starting ahead of Ndidi and Tielemans but maybe?

 

Will they Stay or Go?

 

We’ve been putting out two teams and it’s noticeable that one has players like Praet, Soyuncu, Vestergaard, Tielemans in it and the other doesn’t. Castagne has also been in that team too, who would be a disappointing player to lose. Praet has looked good in his appearances, Soyuncu too. So in a season with 5 substitutes even if we sign no one we’d have decent cover and options. I personally like the decision not to play Youri in the main team whilst his future is undecided, but I bet he comes back in against Sevilla.

 

Are we actually quite good?

 

Sure we haven’t played anyone good yet, but we didn’t play anyone good in the entire 15/16 season . In the last few games we’ve been scoring goals, making lots of chances and played good football. KDH, Vardy, Barnes and Maddison all playing well. Is it possible that a game every 3 days during Covid with no break due to international football plus an injury crisis was a decent excuse after all? We still don’t know what we’ll be like defending set pieces but we’ve put some excellent halves of football together so far. 
 

 

All in all I’m feeling much more optimistic about this season from what I’ve seen. I worried we might have become stale… players not motivated and just going through the motions. But that’s definitely not the case. Teams around us have strengthened, we have not and that’s a worry. But the team we have is a proven one and know how one another play. 
 

What’s your take on these topics and more? Let me know!

 

 

Lovely post and evaluation of things as they stand. 

 

There are definitely reasons to be cheerful. 

 

Tons of firepower - Daka still looks like a raw talent but it seems to me he's definitely making better runs and there is a natural finisher just waiting to be unleashed.  Nacho is Nacho.  By turns frustrating, clumsy, majestic and lethal.   The ball can bounce off him all game and then in an instant he's striking it into the back of the net like he was born to it.  Strikers are notoriously streaky and I suppose my concern is how do we find the best form of Nacho and Daka playing one up top and knowing they will always play second fiddle to Vardy. It's a nice problem to have though.

 

Lack of wide options - Perez and Albrighton are not the solution.  Maddison playing behind Vardy is my preferred role for him. He can absolutely do a job out right but he influences the game more linking between midfield and up top, even dropping deep at times to collect he looked good today.  Frankly I'm excited about watching Maddison tear it up next season.  If we can add a ball carrying right winger then honestly my excitement might well morph into full blown arousal.  As a middle aged man that's saying something.

 

Soumare/Youri - watching Youri against Derby was a reminder of just how important a player he is for us.  At times his ability to pick a defence splitting pass is a class above our other options.  But it looks increasingly likely he's on his way or at least this is the last year we'll get to enjoy watching him play for us.

 

Soumare finally looks like he gives a sh1t.  That's a non-negotiable we are entitled to expect from any player.  Perhaps that's because he's off to Monaco and feels some freedom.  But I hope it's because he's found his feet and feels more settled.  He offers a physicalility I like.  There was a moment off the ball today where a PNE lad accidentally collided with him and quite literally bounced off.  Was great to see.  He also picked some nice, direct passes through the middle and in general seemed sharper, hungrier.  All this is seen through the blue tinted specs of a Leicester fan who wants to see a young player settle and do well.  I'd be interested to see him alongside Wilf.  

 

Stay or go - nothing much to add here. We all know who needs to go really.  I've been hesitant to criticise Vesti, he takes so much stick and he is still a human being.  But I've now come to the conclusion he's not a human at all he's an amiable but ailing cart horse wearing a ridiculously good human costume so... it's probably time for him to head to the knackers yard of Turkish football. 

 

Are we actually quite good - a resounding yes! I'm feeling positive.  KDH just seems to get better and better.  Little Wes still has much to learn but he's a generational talent, we can all see that. We have strength in the wing back positions.  

 

Our first 11 is genuinely formidable.  Whether you are Rodgers in or Rodgers out this is a good team. Very good.  I think getting one decent CB in and a RW in would be ideal along with clearing out fringe players.  Easier said than done. 

 

Overall it's easy to be despondent about the lack of transfer window activity. So it's nice to feel positive about the side, even if it's only some pre-season fodder. 

 

Just my ramblings after a few glasses of a decent red and I caveat it by saying I will absolutely lose my sh1t and take all this back if we concede a corner against Brentford. 

[kingfox]

The formation going forward will all depend how Rodgers views the midfield and Youri’s situation. I thoroughly expect us to go back to 4-3-3, you can’t be benching Ndidi, you can’t be benching KDH and preferably you can’t be benching Tielemans. That would of course mean Maddison being on the right-wing again, despite fans clamouring for a quality starting right-winger I honestly expect Maddison to play there more often than not, especially if Tielemans sticks around. If Tielemans moves on like we expect, then comes another dilemma, do we sign a replacement or do we change formation to 4-2-3-1, sign a quality right-winger instead, move Maddison back to the 10 role and go with a midfield two of Ndidi & KDH. Some fans often put square pegs in round holes and come up with wacky formations, going forward those are by far the two most realistic outcomes I can see.

 

In terms of firepower, despite some problems we had last season, firepower was never much of a problem, we were the fifth highest scorers in the division. Daka & Nacho can be both inconsistent, but as we’ve seen in pre season with both, and especially with Nacho over the last two years, they can play like crap, but then they’ll come up with a goal out of nothing. As long as they continue to contribute consistently, then we as fans will be happy.

 

In terms of a lack of wide options, we all would love at least two new wingers, we’ve tried 3-5-2 in pre season, basically because it’s been forced due to managing players minutes, plus as we saw at Derby today for example, we only played that formation because Barnes & Maddison were at Preston, no way should 3-5-2 be the formation moving forward. Just like I said regarding Ndidi, KDH & Tielemans, preferably you can’t be benching Barnes either, and I feel that would happen if we played 3-5-2, plus it would also mean one of KDH, Tielemans & Maddison dropping to the bench too, if all our players are fit, then it’s a formation you can’t be playing, it just wouldn’t make sense. I know it’s not to everyone’s taste, but 4-3-3 with Maddison on the wing is fine by me, as long as he continues to contribute from that position, like he did at the back end of last season. The wing position is what needs strengthening the most, but as I said above, I think it all depends how Rodgers views the midfield situation, if he prefers a midfield three, then I still see a RW coming in, but yet again it might not be of that starting 11 quality, you might see one or two Lookman type signings instead. 
 

Tielemans > Soumare, but let’s be honest Strider hyperbole or not, they are nothing alike and Soumare shouldn’t be viewed as a Tielemans replacement. 
 

For the players potentially going, it’s been a long discussion in the transfer section, we all know the situation regarding certain contracts. If Soyuncu & Tielemans won’t sign new contracts, then moving them on will be our most important business of the summer, you can’t let them run down their contracts and have them leaving for free, that would be lunacy. I’d love Praet to stay, his intelligence often goes unnoticed, the runs he makes and the link up play he offers, is absolutely perfect to the way we play, he’d be a perfect option in a midfield three, unfortunately Rodgers has never seemed keen, and if Praet wants more game time, then moving him on is probably in the best interest. I pray someone gullible enough comes in for Vestergaard, while I think it’s important to move on Choudhury & Perez too, of our fringe players who are out of contract in 2023, those two need to be moved on the most.

 

From our performances against Hull, Derby & Preston, there’s been encouraging signs. Against Hull I thought we were absolutely brilliant in the second half, against Derby we played some lovely football especially from the midfield areas, against Preston the first half especially was very easy on the eye. 
 

There’s still a lot of things to be ironed out during now and the end of August, I just hope the business surrounding certain players and there upcoming ending contracts doesn’t effect morale. That was the concern I had going into the season, but with the performances we’ve seen over the last three games, along with some of the football we have played, it very much seems like this group of players are still on board with each other. As long as that continues and the football is better to watch  than some of the drab we endured last season, then despite teams who finished around us last season strengthening well this summer, I still think we can fight for that last spot in Europe. 

[Ric Flair]

Love how sharp Vardy, Daka, Barnes, Maddison and KDH look going forward. Goals and assists for fun. Callum Wright getting a goal today meant the world to him, I do wonder if he can somehow get in the 25 man squad, with 5 subs and being a very attacking midfielder who can play that inverted wide right role too might just make Brendan be tempted.

 

We feel like we aren't fighting fires right now and might actually be building some sense of confidence and determination to put together another good season, then again its pre-season and it counts for nothing if we start making mistakes from the off but at least there's a bit of a sense of calm and a realisation that even without the signings we'd like in certain positions, we are still a bloody good team.

[StriderHiryu]

51 minutes ago, TheStig said:

Agree and good evaluation of the situation. Whats your take on the goalkeeping issue?

I should have added a section on that actually! It seems we are having an audition for Kasper’s replacement and I feel like one of the two young guns we’ve seen in preseason will be given games. Or will they? Because we still have Ward here who could easily be a number one. 
 

I don’t think GK is a position to worry about. Kasper is a club legend and super solid. I don’t think we need to replace him but also think we’d be ok if he left / got dropped. I think he gets us 3-5 points a season personally. 
 

I know their is an opinion that he costs us goals because he doesn’t claim corners but in 19/20 we had an amazing defence and we’re good defending set pieces. So whilst he could do better I’m not worried. 
 

What’s your take?!

[StriderHiryu]

57 minutes ago, Legend_in_blue said:

We've looked pretty decent but, as always, we look 2 players short.  We could be making a real challenge for top 6 that much easier but instead will have to do it the usual hard way by the looks of it and hope that a couple of teams underperform whilst ours stays injury free.

Good take!

 

Imagine if in 19/20 instead of Perez we had someone who put up numbers like Bowen or even Sarr. We’d have got top 4 IMO. Probably the same with 20/21 too. 

We can’t really take issue with it though. King Power have performed miracles and without Oil / Oligarch / Yank money. 
 

Challenging top 6 might be as good as it gets but that’s pretty impressive. Even Newcastle now have to be watched with their new found wealth. 

[ftfagos]

Sounds like it’s time to pay the bookies a visit. It couldn’t happen again could it?

[Shane]

3 minutes ago, Ric Flair said:

We feel like we aren't fighting fires right now and might actually be building some sense of confidence and determination to put together another good season, then again its pre-season and it counts for nothing if we start making mistakes from the off but at least there's a bit of a sense of calm and a realisation that even without the signings we'd like in certain positions, we are still a bloody good team.

I wonder if we will create a bit of a siege mentality next season? Eventually the media are going to write us off if we make zero signings, highlight our ‘problems’, etc.
 

The players might want to prove a few of the doubters wrong.. 

[UniFox21]

What I'm most worried about is this was a similar picture to the end of last pre season. Everything was just starting to click together, and that Fofana injury cut us back hugely. Not only last season, but this season too with that goddam awful decision to buy Vestergaard.  

[Ric Flair]

Just now, Shane said:

I wonder if we will create a bit of a siege mentality next season? Eventually the media are going to write us off if we make zero signings, highlight our ‘problems’, etc.
 

The players might want to prove a few of the doubters wrong.. 

Quite possibly so. I know things seem so much easier to comprehend when you aren't filled with anger of repeated mistakes and I'm sure it'll come again but you look at the attacking strength we have up front and our midfield and most of our defence and if we play fast and dynamic football then we win more games than we lose or draw its as simple as that and that will put us in the mixer again.

[lcfcdamo]

Id say we need 1 new player a top class right winger then i will be confident of a good season i honestly think we are good in every other positions 

[Ric Flair]

Just now, lcfcdamo said:

Id say we need 1 new player a top class right winger then i will be confident of a good season i honestly think we are good in every other positions 

That's exactly what we need. If Tielemans goes then we need another CM possibly as I expect Praet and at least one of Soumare or Hamza to go too. A LCB if Soyuncu and Vestergaard or Amartey go as well but we have to get a right winger in, it could be the difference.

[TheStig]

35 minutes ago, StriderHiryu said:

I should have added a section on that actually! It seems we are having an audition for Kasper’s replacement and I feel like one of the two young guns we’ve seen in preseason will be given games. Or will they? Because we still have Ward here who could easily be a number one. 
 

I don’t think GK is a position to worry about. Kasper is a club legend and super solid. I don’t think we need to replace him but also think we’d be ok if he left / got dropped. I think he gets us 3-5 points a season personally. 
 

I know their is an opinion that he costs us goals because he doesn’t claim corners but in 19/20 we had an amazing defence and we’re good defending set pieces. So whilst he could do better I’m not worried. 
 

What’s your take?!

I´m not sure. Kaspers shot stopping is brilliant but his lack of dominance of his area combined with his erratic distribution does count against him. It seems to me that although very vocal and a "leader"  the lack of real competition over many years has made him a little sloppy and too assured of his position. I hadn´t seen Iversen prior to the pre-season and although he was highly praised at Preston he hasn´t  really impressed. So maybe he is not the natural successor.  Kasper has worked with Stowell for so many years that it must be diffucult to stay motivated and see the "new" issues in the daily training. At least there has been no improvement whatsoever in his "coming out for crosses". So is Stowell to blame or is Kasper just not good enough at that area? So maybe a new keeper coach and a proper reserve keeper would do the trick? Just a (or some) thoughts.