Team evaluation for next season

[Courua]

I'm pretty much lifting this list off the BBC website...

 

Goalkeepers

1. 1 Schmeichel. This season has been a major reason we have got to where we are. Though seemingly shakey in set pieces under recent goals in the whole a brilliant goalkeeper. Got to keep him here during the transfer window, key to our survival.
2. 25 Logan. Logan, you have been a great backup in that you haven't harped on about needing to play (thank goodness you didn't either) but now we need a goalkeeper of some talent as a backup, just incase. Thank you for your time here, wish you all the best in your future.
3. 31 Smith. Who has been following the youth? Can you tell us about the players here and if they could step up to play a bit part next season? Is Smith any good?

Defenders

1. 2 de Laet. I've got to admit that the fullbacks are the main area of the pitch I'd like to see us strengthen. As good as de Laet is at going forward he doesn't give me full confidence when in defence. Out of RB and LB though I see this as the lesser of the two evils, we could do with just getting someone to provide genuine competition for de Laet and let them 'fight it out' form wise.
2. 3 Konchesky. Konch for me is a player that should be thinking about moving on. Displays recently have had his passing deteriorate, him being unfit and off the pace.I know we have had Shlupp step up this season during Konch's injury, keeping him out the team even, but he will be skinned by oppositions with real ability and Konch just as equally will be lost against anyone running past him. Sorry but no confidence in him.
3. 5 Morgan. Our rock, really hope he steps up to the prem with ease, a real hero for us this season.
4. 12 St Ledger. On yer bike buddy, lets face it, you know all the bars around Leicester anyway.
5. 18 Moore. Going to have to maybe step back a little next season, watch and learn as another experienced prem defender comes in. Looking forward to the games he does get though, want him to succeed here.
6. 21 Bakayogo. Think he has been injured almost all of the season (is that right?), can imagine him moving on to get form/fitness back at another club.
7. 23 Miquel. Hardly got a game in this season which is a shame for him but a sign of how good our partnerships have been to keep an Arsenal talented 'youth' player out the squad. Out of contract very soon, will be interesting to see if we go for him and if not where he goes.
8. 27 Wasilewski. Got to be impressed with how he has stepped up this season too. Will we keep him... yeah, I think we will, maybe only as cover but what cover!
9. Elder So these next 5 are the youth... any ideas people?
10. Sesay
11. Anton
12. Dineen
13. Taft

Midfielders

1. 4 Drinkwater. Thank you for being so so so good this season!!!!! Can't imagine us losing him in the transfer window, we just wont entertain offers.
2. 7 Hammond. Came in, did a job and did it well. Thanks for the goal and everything but I can imagine us replacing with another player.
3. 8 James. Strange one this, I find him just as anonymous as King to an extent, as a CM I'd maybe like to see us get in someone to challenge his spot to create some competition. Obviously a good player.
4. 10 King. I think King has reached the end of the line for us. Has been a good squad player and can score goals running into the box but the bigger picture of survival would mean for me either loan him out with a recall all next season so he has form or let him go if that isn't something he wants to do.
5. 11 Dyer. I could flip a coin on how I feel about him staying to be honest. I mean, the boy can RUN! Buuuut that's kinda it... kinda. Squad player next season, play him against Slow defences.
6. Frempah More yoof to tell us about peoples
7. Cain
8. Barrington
9. Paratore
10. McCourt

Forwards

1. 9 Vardy. You sir are awesome. That is all. Okay, seriously, his pace is thankfully matched by some serious skill at shooting, some surprisingly good goals this season have left him with a strong position to be starting his first premiership game opening day. Enjoy it sir, you have earned it. Just no more cornrows... please.
2. 15 Schlupp. Like I said, pulled from the BBC hence why here, next season I wouldn't want him to start every game, I'd like to see us replace Konch and get in someone Shlupp can learn from.
3. 20 Hopper... yoof
4. 22 Taylor-Fletcher. Thank you (for the shortage of pies) Gary, not sure you will be playing for us next season but if you are then please... salad is sometimes tasty too okay.
5. 24 Knockaert. The boy ain't crying anymore! Matured as a player, learnt defensive skills and applied them with a hard working ethic. If he can be a little less selfish then we might score more.... yes, but by god when it goes right for him it's exciting to watch. Starting next season easily.
6. 26 Mahrez. Same as Knockaert, what a brilliant purchase and in the January transfer as well, starting opening game.
7. 28 Phillips. Player coach next season maybe? Can imagine him being a great mentor for Vardy to get a few tips from.
8. 35 Nugent. I've liked Nugent, always have. Hope we keep him (almost 100% we will) and he starts next season.
9. 39 Wood. Great player, what a steal from under the noses of Millwall as well. Between him, Vardy and Nugent I can imagine a nice scrap for a starting place. Good luck here next season.
10. Blyth. Yoof?
11. Panayiotou

 

So where do I see us signing. Well, our fullbacks need competition of players that are genuine fullbacks, not centre backs that can (kinda) play fullback, Moore and Wasy just don't seem to fit the bit to fit into RB without it being a liability and Konch I think is done unfortunately. 2 new boys in before summer transfer ends.

 

A second strong goalie, maybe someone with experience again to replace a few of the old heads that will go this season and give us some character in the dressing room.

 

A winger?

 

A midfielder to challenge James, someone that is a genuine DM.

 

A striker to replace Phillips or Taylor-Fletcher.

 

So, total out of this list going out the club... 7. Coming in... 5

 

Your thoughts?

 

 

[whitlock]

We need a new striker. Be interesting to see how Vardy adapts to the Prem, but I don't think Nuge will offer much. New striker to replace Nuge and hopefully partner Vardy.

 

De Lat is a tricky one, sometimes I think he is absolute class, defending and attacking, but other times he makes me worried. Bit of a hot and cold type of player, if we want to survive we need to be consistent, might need looking at.

 

I think Jeff will do well in the Prem at left back - look at the two young lads at Swansea and Southampton, I think Jeff will develop similarly to them.

 

We might need a new CB to partner Wes - I hope Marcin signs for another season, but I can't realistically see them two being the main partnership next season, good to have around as back up though.

 

I think Marhez will adapt to Prem life better than Knocky will, I think Knocky might become a bit frustrated next season. I think Mahrez will be key in creating some goals.

 

Dyer I couldn't really say, he's bursts of pace are so good, but he is wild with crossing and shooting at times, next season, he might only get once chance, there will be no room for error, always good for back up I guess - he's not going to be a first 11 man.

 

Kasper - I haven't got the impression that he really wants to be here next season. He has made some superb saves this season - very much a shot stopper - a good one. But I feel he can be at fault for numerous goals this season. Undecided on him, keepers get better with age as they say, so if he's to improve I would be happy to keep him, but I wouldn't be fussed if he left either.

[hornyhollthefox123]

For me we could do with 4/5 players max.

 

We need a left back to challenge Jeffrey i feel.. (Cresswell, Neil Taylor?)

 

A genuine premier league central midfielder to play alongside James or Drinkwater or both if we play 3 in the middle. (Mulumbu, Sidwell, Delph, Mutch)

 

A winger because let's face it they'll often be times when Mahrez/Knockaert will have quiet games. (LuaLua, Pilkington)

 

A proper forward who will scare premier league defenders. For me this is where we could splash out a bit, and i hope we do. (Fletcher esque)

[kingcarr21]

Basically we need Bruno Berner back

 

Tell Lennon to stop wasting time in scotland and get his Footy Boots back on for us

 

call Guppy and tell him your in the squad

 

Call Colwyn Bay and tell them Akinbiyi has got unfinished business with us

 

SORTED

[Durnerz]

Sidwell would be a welcome addition, experienced steady eddy in the middle of the park and can chip in with a goal or two.

Similarly I'd like to see Craig Gardner come in, again experienced with the ability to shine.

Heading for the door will be St Ledger, King, Taylor-Fletcher of the high profile players, Dyer I think will stay, can be a useful squad player and left sided players can be hard to come by.

Key area is up front, we'd need a player who can bang in at least 10 goals in this league to have a hope of surviving, Nugent and Vardy I can only see ending up in single figures, as good as they have been.





 

[lgfualol]

A LB definitely. A winger definitely. A CM/CAM player similar to Eriksen, def. A striker that can get the goals that Nuge n vardy sometimes somehow miss. A decent RB alternative to De Laet, whom can burn out. I prefer Moore in CB.

Backup goalie. Not sure how I feel about Logan possibly being in goal against teams like Man City.

[TJB-fox]

Jesus why does everyone want Neil Taylor. Since the injury he's look pretty wank, just a younger version of Konch! Cresswell/Izaguirre would get my vote for leftback, alongside Schlupp.

[Long Eaton Fox]

2 new full backs to challenge RDL and Schlupp

 

1 new centre half, stronger in the air and with pace

 

1 new attacking centre midfielder

 

1 new rightfooted winger

 

1 new forward, strong in the air and with apce

 

Release

 

Miquel

 

St Ledger

 

Hammond

 

Phillips

[Fox92]

We need a new striker. Don't get rid of Nugent or Vardy after all they've contributed this season, but I think we need a more clinical striker. I like both of them but they both need a chance or two before taking one. I don't want us to rush in this department, I know Nige isn't like that, but if we need to spend more money in one area than any other it would be up top.

 

If Sunderland go down, I'd certainly look at both Fletcher and Johnson. I know both will probably attract other top flight clubs and maybe want a bit of wages (I also know Johnson supports Sunderland) but I'd certainly try for them. I do think both are realistic enough though.

 

A new winger maybe required. I do think Mahrez and Knockaert will be good enough but we can't rely on them and what's wrong with competition. I'd probably keep Dyer for another season, his pace could be a decent attribute to bring on in certain games at certain times.

 

Other positions include full back on both sides. I think Schlupp has the potential to be our full time left back but needs to work on his defensive side a bit. I rate him more as a full back than as a striker, but it's good to have versatility. Don't really rate Konchesky, though he could prove ok back up. He's had a great career and played for big clubs at Liverpool and West Ham, as well as featuring for England, but there's no doubt we're seeing the back end of his career now.

 

Kevin Phillips I'd keep on as a player/coach. Again, we're seeing the back end of his career and his legs are going now but he certainly knows where the net is and has constantly proved that throughout his career so he could be a valuable asset in terms of helping our other strikers. I'd probably offer Taylor-Fletcher a one year deal as well, he's done nothing wrong since joining. I do rate St Ledger as a footballer, but his injuries and even off field stuff are highlighted a lot so I'd probably release him, taking into consideration he's on a good wage as well, especially if we sign another defender.

[TrentFox]

We are ill-equipped up front for a decent chance of avoiding the drop. Wood isn't good enough to get in our team in the Championship; why would he be of use to use in the PL ? Vardy alongside a much better striker ? Maybe. His finishing is ordinary at best, but his pace and work-rate compensate. Whether that will be enough to make the step up, who knows. Nuge's finishing is occasionally stunning, but I fear he will be blown away by the pace and physicality of the PL. One, if not two strikers a must. Ditto a commanding centre half. We will permanently be under pressure, and probably punished, as we will not be able to clear our lines with the lack of aerial prowess we currently possess. Every set-piece / cross / hoof will see us struggle. We got away with it to a degree this season as the scraps fell to ordinary players. That won't happen next year. A PL toughened central midfielder is most likely an essential, too. Three / four key players, therefore, with possibly a couple of 'squad' / ones-for-the-future thrown into the mix, too. A better goalkeeper than Logan also seems inevitable. I make that 7 new faces.

[Tom17LCFC]

James anonymous? Think he's been one of our best players this season.

[Guest Col city fan]

I genuinely can't believe that people are thinking GTF is a good enough player for the Premiership and should be offered another year.

No, we need better. .

[teblin]

I genuinely can't believe that people are thinking GTF is a good enough player for the Premiership and should be offered another year.

No, we need better. .

Think we may have no choice if he has met the criteria of the renewal.

[whitlock]

Think we may have no choice if he has met the criteria of the renewal.

 

20 games wasn't it?

 

Surely he is no where close to that?

[LAprice_]

I disagree with most of what the original post said.

 

Leicester have played something like 20 players for the majority of the season. We can have a maximum of 25 in the Prem, so, who's to say we're getting rid of anyone? St Ledger, Whitbread and Bakayogo are the only 3 certainties to leave. From the way Pearson speaks, I can see us keeping hold of Hammond and Taylor-Fletcher. Hammond has done nothing wrong during his time here, as for GTF, he's never been blessed with pace (or athletic physique), but he does have a great footballing brain. He reads the game instinctively. Also, consider the impact that their experience and professionalism have on the rest of the lads

 

I think we give too much credit to Wes Morgan sometimes, I personally think he'll struggle in the Prem. Same can be said about Wasyl. Definitely can't play them together. I'm not saying they're terrible. Not by a long way. I do think they are too similar though. Their partnership is no where near as effective as 'Wes and Moore' or 'Wasyl and Miquel'. (Yes, I hope we sign Miquel). Maybe even a 'Moore and Miquel' partnership could be good...

 

De Laet is from Man U, a team that has been notorious in recent years for the 'attacking full-back'.  We will need the pace at both right-back and left-back; that's how we play. We lacked that natural pace vs Brighton. It would also mean that we need to ensure our midfielders are solid. The pace in our attack was pivotal for us this season. Dyer's pace and position provided Leicester with a natural winger; a winger who has scored vs Man City twice, Fulham, Real Madrid...surely it's not a coincidence. Still a great impact substitution.

 

I like Knockaert, he's 10x times the player he is now since when we bought him. He's more experienced. Better attitude. Defensively aware. Less greedy. Just imagine what another pre-season could achieve! As for Mahrez, still early days in my opinion. Looks promising, only time will tell.

 

Vardy is brilliant, one of our best players this year, but he's by no means as clinical as we make out. There have been numerous chances this season that he's missed. Hopefully, coaching from Kevin Phillips can improve Vardy's finishing. Most the time it's brilliant, but it's not consistent enough for a Premier League team. Same can be said about Nugent. I reckon Wood is the most consistent finisher at the club, if he has a good pre-season, he could be significant next season. Remember, he's only 22.

 

So, where would I strengthen?
Let's assume we keep the following (Pearson's never hinted at getting rid):

Kasper

 

De Laet
Moore

Wasyl
Morgan
Konchesky
Schlupp

 

Hammond
James
Drinkwater
King

 

Mahrez
Knockaert
Dyer

 

Nugent
Vardy
Wood
Gary Taylor-Fletcher

 

That's only 18! We still have space for 7 signings (possibly 8 if Moore doesn't count due to age)

I'd sign:
GK - Ben Hamer
2CB's - Ignasi Miquel (ever heard of him?) and experienced Prem defender (experienced in terms of games played and consistency, not age!)

RM - Wilfried Zaha (or someone of that 'type': speedy, skillful, young)

ST - A big scary foreign striker who has a consistent goal scoring record.

Maybe a CM - I think people have been right with Sidwell, Delph, etc...

Like Nigel Pearson said, there's no reason to buy loads. We have a young squad that will improve over time.
 

[Silverdaz]

2 new full backs to challenge RDL and Schlupp

 

1 new centre half, stronger in the air and with pace

 

1 new attacking centre midfielder

 

1 new rightfooted winger

 

1 new forward, strong in the air and with apce

 

Release

 

Miquel

 

St Ledger

 

Hammond

 

Phillips

Harry Maguire, Peter Whittingham, Albert Adomoah and Ross Mccormack and your sort for them 4 spaces

[Stuliasz]

How about Marcos Alonso for the LB spot? Only 23 and has already spent some time adapting to English football. He's contracted to Fiorentina for another two years so it may only be a loan deal if they are wanting to use him long term.

[FoxTrott]

Peter Whittingham might be a good shout. We'll need to be more clinical from set pieces next season is my view on it, he hasn't done badly this season by any means. 

[brockmyster]

LB - first port of call for me

CB - as much as i love morgan and moore i cant see them being strong enough to last 38 games

Winger - with a bit of pace, dyer esque but obviously better

Experienced CM - Bit like Parker add some prem experience to help the midfield

Striker - As people have said someone who would incite fear

GK - Back up for Kasper

[eastendfox]

Sidwell has never impressed me, lots of talent, lack of application, plays for struggling sides, just the type we don't want around a motivated team. I'd agree with the need for a couple of experienced players through the spine if we can, but most of the players should be given a go and GTF let's not forget was a success for Blackpool in the Prem (reminds me of Claridge when we came up in 96).

[Legend_in_blue]

We need a GK, LB, RB, CB, CM, RW, FD, ST minimum imo.

I still think we need another CB on top of that list as well because I'm not confident we have enough pace through the middle of the defence.

I think we're being too optimistic as to what we think we can get away with.

You can't carry more than 3 championship quality players in the team, if you do you'll struggle.

[Simonb]

I think gtf has made 21/22 appearances. . Might be wrong.. I can see pearson keeping gtf n hammond until jan n then getting rid to keep some squad consistency. . That way it frees up two squad spaces in jan if needed so we dont have too much change in one go.. complete opposite of the sven days thankfully

[TJB-fox]

I disagree with most of what the original post said.

 

Leicester have played something like 20 players for the majority of the season. We can have a maximum of 25 in the Prem, so, who's to say we're getting rid of anyone? St Ledger, Whitbread and Bakayogo are the only 3 certainties to leave. From the way Pearson speaks, I can see us keeping hold of Hammond and Taylor-Fletcher. Hammond has done nothing wrong during his time here, as for GTF, he's never been blessed with pace (or athletic physique), but he does have a great footballing brain. He reads the game instinctively. Also, consider the impact that their experience and professionalism have on the rest of the lads

 

I think we give too much credit to Wes Morgan sometimes, I personally think he'll struggle in the Prem. Same can be said about Wasyl. Definitely can't play them together. I'm not saying they're terrible. Not by a long way. I do think they are too similar though. Their partnership is no where near as effective as 'Wes and Moore' or 'Wasyl and Miquel'. (Yes, I hope we sign Miquel). Maybe even a 'Moore and Miquel' partnership could be good...

 

De Laet is from Man U, a team that has been notorious in recent years for the 'attacking full-back'.  We will need the pace at both right-back and left-back; that's how we play. We lacked that natural pace vs Brighton. It would also mean that we need to ensure our midfielders are solid. The pace in our attack was pivotal for us this season. Dyer's pace and position provided Leicester with a natural winger; a winger who has scored vs Man City twice, Fulham, Real Madrid...surely it's not a coincidence. Still a great impact substitution.

 

I like Knockaert, he's 10x times the player he is now since when we bought him. He's more experienced. Better attitude. Defensively aware. Less greedy. Just imagine what another pre-season could achieve! As for Mahrez, still early days in my opinion. Looks promising, only time will tell.

 

Vardy is brilliant, one of our best players this year, but he's by no means as clinical as we make out. There have been numerous chances this season that he's missed. Hopefully, coaching from Kevin Phillips can improve Vardy's finishing. Most the time it's brilliant, but it's not consistent enough for a Premier League team. Same can be said about Nugent. I reckon Wood is the most consistent finisher at the club, if he has a good pre-season, he could be significant next season. Remember, he's only 22.

 

So, where would I strengthen?

Let's assume we keep the following (Pearson's never hinted at getting rid):

Kasper

 

De Laet

Moore

Wasyl

Morgan

Konchesky

Schlupp

 

Hammond

James

Drinkwater

King

 

Mahrez

Knockaert

Dyer

 

Nugent

Vardy

Wood

Gary Taylor-Fletcher

 

That's only 18! We still have space for 7 signings (possibly 8 if Moore doesn't count due to age)

I'd sign:

GK - Ben Hamer

2CB's - Ignasi Miquel (ever heard of him?) and experienced Prem defender (experienced in terms of games played and consistency, not age!)

RM - Wilfried Zaha (or someone of that 'type': speedy, skillful, young)

ST - A big scary foreign striker who has a consistent goal scoring record.

Maybe a CM - I think people have been right with Sidwell, Delph, etc...

Like Nigel Pearson said, there's no reason to buy loads. We have a young squad that will improve over time.

agree with most of this, but think we should get a left back too, and maybe a few gems from league 1/2. Players like Maguire, Wallace etc then loan them straight back out. Good post though, finally some sense

[Simonb]

What about maybe buttner n zaha on loan.. bit ambitious but neither will be needed by united next year

[LCFC FOX]

What's a yoof?