3 Leicester City players in top rated European XI

Three Leicester City players made WhoScored’s European top rated U21 team of the week. In addition, three players are also in the outlet’s Premier League Team of the Week.

It is early in the season, only two games have gone. Claude Puel does not know his best Leicester City side yet; making it an ideal time to assess the best performers – players too good to leave out of the starting lineup. Done, as always, by analysing stats and ratings, as well as keenly viewing the games, of course.

We consulted the trustworthy WhoScored, to discover the five highest rated King Power players as of yet, in 2018/19. According to the statistics based company, the most significant output is from: Ricardo Pereira, Ben Chilwell, James Maddison, Wilfred Ndidi and Demarai Gray.

In addition to being the five best Leicester performers, four players found themselves participants in two of WhoScored’s teams of the week. Ricardo, Chilwell and Maddison are all involved in the Gameweek 2 ‘Premier League Team of the Week’ side.

Chilwell gave a marvellous representation of his true level of play against Wolves. He was the highest scoring Fox of the trio with a 9.0. His prowess and strength vastly increased this term.

Maddison scored on his home debut and was instrumental in solid Foxes attacking moves at Old Trafford too. Taking a decent 8.3 score. Ricardo has impressed the Blue Army immensely with two assists in two matches and earns quality stats.

Speaking of which; Ricardo’s contribution is great this season so far, with: five tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 3.5 clearances and 1.5 key passes per game. If Ricardo has carte blanche by management, it would be excellent to see him dribble more – with cover from Ndidi and the revitalised Nampalys Mendy, naturally.

Most noteworthy and consequently from their sensational outings, we find the duo of Maddison and Chilwell involved in the WhoScored ‘Top Rated U21 XI from Europe’s Top 5 Leagues’. This is incredibly inspiring for the Leicester City faithful – having players not just talked about, but rating alongside star names such as Kylian Mbappe and Gabriel Jesus.

Ndidi is highly rated among all-knowing fans. His performances at age-21 further show the need for Leicester City to retain his services. Which they did – for another six-years. The Nigerian starlet signed a contract extension earlier this week. He had a nasty clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, yet, will play against Southampton. Sky Sports said of the incident:

"“It looks like Ndidi is receiving some medical attention on the field with blood pouring from his head, probably a clash from a late Wolves free kick.”– Via: Sky Sports"

Leicester City rank 31st in WhoScored’s European team standings. However, we are witnessing the evolution of a young, quick and now confident Midlands team. Puel has astute and quality judgement, we saw that with Eden Hazard. If the Frenchman implements this energetic and dynamic roster accurately – there may be silverware or European qualification through the league at the King Power Stadium.

Southampton are up next for Puel; his former club. Encouragingly, the 56-year-old steered them to the League Cup final… digression – first of all, the Foxes need more league points on the board and only then can dream of Wembley in a cup.