Is Claude Puel’s admiration of Pep Guardiola leading Leicester City to a 4-3-3?

Claude Puel’s admiration of Pep Guardiola leading Leicester City to a 4-3-3

By Andy Bisnos | Jun 2, 2018

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City (R) and Claude Puel, Manager of Southampton (L) look on during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Southampton at Etihad Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 28: James Tomkins of Crystal Palace wins a header over Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Leicester City at Selhurst Park on April 28, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

A solid holding midfield player

Wilfred Ndidi totalled 138 tackles in the 2017/18 Premier League – more than any other player. He also made 50 interceptions and won 117 aerial challenges. Has Ndidi finally filled the void left by N’Golo Kante in the summer of 2016?

But, what currently separates Kante from Ndidi is his ability to drive with the ball and play into key areas. Ndidi needs to develop this, but it is worth noting that he is five years younger than the French star.

Deploying Ndidi in a holding midfield role (like Fernandinho plays at Manchester City) would appear to be a perfect solution to maximise his attributes. Sitting deep in a midfield three with the two attacking midfielders would achieve balance. Adrien Silva, and maybe the rumoured Jack Grealish or James Maddison would complete the trio.

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