Leicester City need Ricardo Pereira at right-back

Leicester City still have to find an adequate right-back or preferably a right-wing-back. The correct choice is actually already at the club.

Daniel Amartey isn’t a viable right-back. Should Ricardo Pereira be Leicester City’s new right-sided defender? Whether that is at right-back or preferably right-wing-back in a 3-4-3 system, incorporating him correctly in the team is vital. Not to say he would not make an impact on the wing.

It was Ricardo’s cross which gave Jamie Vardy a conciliation goal and spurred on the Foxes to attempt an equaliser, Friday. Sadly that was not to be; Manchester United won 2-1. Although it was a Premier League opener that Leicester City knew would be tough.

Despite Ricardo supplying that assist and one in preseason; the Foxes require a winger by trade – like Rachid Ghezzal. A generally forward thinker or an actual striker like Kelechi Iheanacho may suffice. But mainly, in order for best results, a solid defence and productiveness – a defensive capacity suits the Portuguese. And he can still power forward as a modern full-back.

Many rate Amartey; in fact, let me rephrase: Amartey has something to offer the premiership. Yet his pathetically impulsive handball for the Manchester United penalty after two minutes was another stunning indication he is not a competent defender. Not at this level, anyway. The Ghanaian has undoubted quality elsewhere and could do a job somewhere – but is not a Premier League standard right-back.

Amartey has incredible athletic attributes, focus, passing ability and leadership skills: leading me to believe midfield is his ideal role. Especially following his recent game losing exploits. And with decision-making needing to be 100 per cent accurate as a defender or goalkeeper, leaves him short. A switch to defensive-minded-midfielder could be a revelation. Yet, Amartey could also slide into oblivion like a Gokhan Inler or now, like title winners Danny Simpson and Andy King.

With Ricardo Pereira moving to left-back, it means Demarai Gray, James Maddison, Fousenni Diabate, Marc Albrighton or Kelechi Iheanacho meeting the challenge. On the subject of Albrighton: a practical man; one who could transition to right-sided defensive. With age creeping on, expect to see him as a wing-back; being fair to his versatility, he could probably do a job on either side.

Ghezzal’s debut was unimpressive. Though it is unfair to judge a player coming into the second-half while losing at Old Trafford. Time will tell – yet it will not be kind if the new Algerian winger performs poorly. Unfortunately, going forward, this still leads us to believe the Riyad Mahrez shaped hole was not adequately filled. However, that gives periphery players ample chances to prove themselves; consequently creating an elite career while helping Leicester to a much desired 7th position finish.

After consulting transfermarkt.com, it is clear Ricardo himself is comfortable at right-back, as his listing shows. Claude Puel knows the player from working at Nice together, the City boss cited his signing as definite quality. A quote reported by Sky Sports around the time he signed for the Foxes, reveals the Portugal international’s selflessness – which is important:

"“I am here to support the team and to help the club to achieve its goals.”– Ricardo Pereira"

Ricardo is certainly Leicester’s best choice at the club for a capable, determined and focussed defender in that position.