Leicester City: Taking a look at Players In and Out of Form

1 of 2

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Demarai Gray of Leicester City celebrates with team mates after scoring his sides first goal during 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) /

With the International break already here, let us take a look which players are in or out of form for Leicester City early on this season.

In Form Foxes

James Maddison

After impressing with Norwich City last season, Leicester signed the 21-year old playmaker for a fee of roughly £22 million. That investment by the club seems to have paid off in the short-term. Maddison has arguably been Leicester’s best player this campaign, always willing to be the creative force in the middle of the park.

He has surprised supporters and pundits alike with his ability to take on defenders as well as his desire to defend from the front. In four games this season, he already has a goal, an assist, and converted over 80% of his passes (as per WhoScored).

If Maddison is able to control games and pull the strings in the attacking third like he has so far this season, then he will have a chance of being Leicester’s breakthrough player of the season.

Demarai Gray

Demarai Gray has started every league game for Leicester, and has looked strong in every game. He has played both on the wing and as a number nine. While he struggled as the out and out striker, he has had a massive impact from the wide role. He has been very effective from both the left and right wing, helping ease the blow of Riyad Mahrez departing for Manchester City.

Claude Puel has put his faith in younger players this year, and the 22-year old has only strengthened his case to be in the starting XI week in and week out. With Puel giving new signing Rachid Ghezzal time to adapt to the Premier League, Gray has taken his chance and looks to have a big role to play for City this season.

Ben Chilwell

Ben Chilwell has been Leicester’s most lively player this month after finally being given regular starts at left-back. Arguably the most consistent player for Puel this term, Chilwell has been a force on the left all season. His work rate is second to none, and his one-on-one defending has improved drastically since last season.

He is also becoming more involved in attack, and more comfortable on the ball under Puel’s system – which emphasises possession. In this system fullbacks are encouraged to get forward and contribute in attack, and Chilwell has done that with surging runs forward all season. If he can continue to provide in both attack and defence, he will be in contention for an England call-up before the end of the season.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 01: Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City is challenged by James Milner of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Liverpool FC at The King Power Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Wilfred Ndidi

Once again, Wilfred Ndidi has started this season brightly. He has played every minute of Leicester’s league campaign this season, and has been a workhorse for City. It is easy to forget that the lad is still just 21 because of his composure in the centre of the park. The Nigerian International has hardly put a foot wrong all season, and will only continue to grow and mature as the campaign kicks on.

As per WhoScored, Ndidi has already made 13 successful tackles to go with 6 interceptions, and only one yellow card. Ndidi is one of the first names on the team sheet every week, and should be given every opportunity to continue to impress in the middle of the park.

Nampalys Mendy

Nampalys Mendy was a surprise inclusion in the starting XI for Leicester City against Wolverhampton Wanderers to most supporters; however, since then, he has proved how valuable he can be to Leicester when given new life under Claude Puel.

While he doesn’t have the technical ability like Adrien Silva, or the experience of Vicente Iborra, he is above both in the pecking order. He may not be the flashiest player, but he is much more defensive-minded, always mopping up plays and breaking up attacks before they can start. Perr WhoScored, he had three tackles, three interceptions, and a player rating of 7.3 against Wolves.