Leicester City: The three best players so far

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LEICESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Shinji Okazaki of Leicester City looks on during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Everton at The King Power Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Jack Mceachen’s picks

Shinji Okazaki

Shinji Okazaki is beginning to transition his game away from the high-energy one we have seen during his time in the Premier League to that of a pure striker.

Before Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Stoke City, Okazaki ranked 16^th in the league in Expected Goals from open play (on just 11 shots) – ahead of Javier Hernandez, Leroy Sane, Marcus Rashford, Josh King, Alexis Sanchez and Wayne Rooney (via Paul Riley), all of whom have had more shots than the Japanese international. Add this to his all-round game and Leicester City are reaping the benefits of his hard work, changing his game.

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 04: Harry Maguire of Leicester City shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between Stoke City and Leicester City at Bet365 Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Harry Maguire

Leicester City badly needed a centre-back in the summer to make their back four a bit younger but also someone who fits their style of play. In that sense, Harry Maguire was the perfect acquisition.

He is very physical but also good on the ball – an improvement on Robert Huth in that department. He has fitted in seamlessly, and he now looks like a regular in the England squad. Perhaps, deservedly so.

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 04: Jamie Vardy of Leicester City and Ryan Shawcross of Stoke City battle for possession during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Leicester City at Bet365 Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Jamie Vardy

Jamie Vardy has a higher xG/per 90 minutes this year than any other in the Premier League, and it’s showing with his six goals so far. As ever, Vardy is crucial to Leicester’s play, and when he’s on form, the rest of the team seem to be too.

He has been played with a variety of partners this season, including Okazaki, Kelechi Iheanacho and Riyad Mahrez. It will be exciting to see him play under Claude Puel, as the Frenchman seems to know a thing or two about strikers, having mentored Thierry Henry in the past.