Claude Puel’s tactical errors at Leicester City examined

Strange starting line-up and substitutions

Daniel Amartey is simply not good or polished enough, as well as being played out-of-position quite often: the Ghanaian is a midfielder. Another area he proved inadequate in playing at Premier League level. Without addressing the Wes Morgan issue too many times; can we agree it is time to bring in Jonny Evans.

A solitary question poses with respect to Jame Maddison: fatigue and fitness. If there is not a problem with his conditioning; then why does he get hauled off every game and especially at vital times of his inclusion?

For example: playing exceptionally well whilst running the game against Liverpool and being substituted when the Foxes need a goal most. Having already supplied an assist. Oh, and the diminutive attacking midfielder was marking Roberto Firmino at set-plays; leading to Leicester conceding. Baffling.

Meanwhile, on Sky Sports‘ game coverage; summariser Jamie Carragher said it was a mistake to withdraw Maddison at Old Trafford. It derailed the momentum – ensuring the Foxes had nothing from the game.

A similar scenario and outcome came versus Liverpool. Although the former Norwich man looked out of steam, he appeared to be unimpressed at being substituted.

Obviously this time Maddison was drifting out of the game, but that can be partly attributed to him being moved wide to allow Shinji Okazaki in. The 21-year-old should have remained playing in his usual No.10 role, with Okazaki as second striker. This way, Ricardo – who struggled at right-back somewhat – still moving to right-wing.

The thought process behind starting Demarai Gray as the lone striker is simple: he’s fast and needs to be tried there, can he replicate Jamie Vardy’s style there? Obviously nobody can imitate the inimitable Vardy. If they do exist – they’re on £350,000 a-week at a footballing superpower.

Kelechi Iheanacho should have started. He even finally got his goal midweek and then found himself dropped. I admire Puel and Jacky Bonnevay as men and tacticians, however, they got this one wrong. As it happens, Leicester City almost got what they deserved – a point – despite the miscalculated decisions.

Undeniable progression

What has he got right? Well, pretty much everything else. Ricardo Pereira is a player whose role is up for a debate, according to this writer. The Portuguese should start, but where? Right-side of a midfield three is an option.

Using the trio of Ben Chilwell, Maddison and Gray accurately is superb in utilising their collective skills as a young faction. They are the undeniable future of Leicester City, along with Wilfred Ndidi.

Maddison is the main man at the King Power Stadium now. Incidentally, the balance of power shifted from right-wing, in recent years, to attacking-centre-midfield as of now.

There are also some excellent development squad prospects on the horizon. Not to mention Puel placing an importance of advancing their progress. Bringing back Papy Mendy to the East Midlands from premiership wilderness is a stroke of genius. Talented duo Adrien Silva and Vicente Iborra have correctly missed out.

Addressing Kasper Schmeichel’s sometimes wayward distribution is another success. Schmeichel can produce good passes but sometimes seems rushed. Eradicating players’ wild, aimless passing and possession retention is an indispensable factor in the evolution to a winning side – a side which can challenge for honours.

Harry Maguire‘s composure on the ball – advancing up the pitch with excellent vision helped the increasing productive possession. Rachid Ghezzal also seems to be integrating sufficiently following Puel’s assimilation of not rushing.

Vardy’s return to the side naturally increases the deadliness and quality of Leicester City. No doubt. Yet Puel would agree: Vardy is no longer the focal point of the team. He must alter his style slightly to linkup with the higher support line and its operative, Maddison.