Foxes of Leicester
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The Curious Starting XI of Claude Puel: exploring the gaffer’s bold selections

By Brenden Woldman

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25: Adrien Silva of Leicester City speaks with team mates ahead of the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Leicester City at St Mary's Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25: Adrien Silva of Leicester City speaks with team mates ahead of the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Leicester City at St Mary's Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) /
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LEICESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 18: Raul Jimenez of Wolverhampton Wanderers puts pressure on Jonny Evans of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers at The King Power Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 18: Raul Jimenez of Wolverhampton Wanderers puts pressure on Jonny Evans of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers at The King Power Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Who will be Slab-Head’s partner?

If there is one guarantee for Leicester City, it is that come game time Harry Maguire will be on the pitch. In the past year since his transfer from Hull City, “Slab-Head”, has become an English superstar and one of the Premier League’s top center-backs. While Maguire is a guaranteed starter, his defensive partner is not definite.

So far, Maguire’s partner in the back has been Wes Morgan and Jonny Evans. Evans, who was injured, did not play at first, opening up a spot once again for Morgan against United. The Jamaican put in a solid display, but his age showed against the Red Devils. Due to this, Evans began at center-back against Wolves, but put in an uneven and uninspiring performance.

Though Evans did not play up to par, the former West Brom captain was expected to start against Southampton. Instead, Puel surprised once again by choosing Morgan over Evans. The gamble paid off, as Captain Morgan put in a gritty performance that, especially at 34 years old, was admirable.

Though the gamble worked against the Saints, it is unrealistic to assume that Morgan will always put on that strong of a display, especially against top-six teams. This leaves Puel with another conundrum.

With Maguire a guaranteed starter, that leaves three players, Wes Morgan, Jonny Evans, and new arrival Caglar Soyuncu fighting for that other centre-back spot. Morgan and Evans’ displays have not been great – nowhere close to the quality of play Maguire is performing at.

Hot. Puel's personality explained. light

That leaves Puel with one question: should the French gaffer play Leicester legend and captain Wes Morgan, Premier League veteran Jonny Evans, or young buck Caglar Soyuncu? If we have learned anything from Puel so far this season: it’s that he is impossible to predict.