Young English trio leading the French Revolution at Leicester City

When Leicester City won the Premier League title in 2015/16, the trio of Christian Fuchs, Shinji Okazaki and Marc Albrighton were invaluable members of the starting eleven.

Fuchs (now 32) was a quality attacking outlet at left-back, whilst the work rate of both Okazaki and Albrighton superbly complemented the goal threat of both Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy.

With Leicester manager Claude Puel now prioritising ability on the ball over work rate; and with Fuchs leaving the East Midlands to play in the MLS at the end of the season – new options were required at left-back, left-midfield and the number 10 role.

The players that Puel has turned to, to lead his French Revolution are Ben Chilwell, James Maddison and Demarai Gray. With only two games played, the quality of the trio is already shining through.

Manchester United Vs Leicester City

Despite falling to a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford, the impact of the trio was evident almost immediately. 40% of Leicester City’s attacks came from the left (24% middle; 36% right), as can be seen in the graphic below.

Demarai Gray was Leicester City’s man of the match at Old Trafford, completing five of his six attempted dribbles.

He also had three attempts on goal, completed 30 passes, and won all of his attempted tackles. It was an encouraging start to the new season for him, with signs that he is stepping out of the shadow of Mahrez and Albrighton.

Leicester City Vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

The trio of Chilwell, Maddison and Gray was retained as Claude Puel made four changes elsewhere. The pattern that we saw at Old Trafford was visible at the King Power Stadium, too, with 43% of the Foxes’ attacks coming from the left. It was another solid performance from Gray (who had a pass completion of 87%), but it was Maddison and Chilwell who took the plaudits.

Maddison didn’t take long to impress the home fans on his home debut, and he picked up his first goal on the stroke of half time to put the hosts 2-0 up; however, it was Maddison’s general play that caught the eye. He had 46 touches, won 100% of his tackles, completed 100% of his dribbles, and had a commendable 85% pass completion rate.

The man of the match was rightly awarded, though, to Ben Chilwell. The young English full-back was on top form, which his numbers show as well.

His notable attacking prowess was evident with four successful dribbles and 38 accurate passes. Chilwell has been criticised in the past for the defensive side of his game, but his stats against Wolves were equally impressive in this area. Five successful tackles, four clearances, two aerial duels won and an interception.

Conclusion

After only two matches played, the England Under-21 trio already has two man of the match awards, and a goal to show, too.

They are already a joy to watch and are bringing a bright, youthful injection to the new-look Leicester City. It will surely not be long unless all three are full England Internationals.