Is Demarai Gray now Leicester City’s second choice striker

Claude Puel is conducting a transition at Leicester City. Within this redevelopment, are smaller experiments – undertaken to decipher a player’s true potential and versatility.

Actually, the transition at the King Power Stadium is more of an overhaul. Boss Claude Puel has the complete backing of the owners of Leicester City football club to evolve the team anyway he sees fit. This includes altering or deciphering a player’s true position. For example: using Demarai Gray as a striker in Jamie Vardy’s absence.

Instinctively Gray is not as cold a customer as Vardy. Nor will he capitalise on as many one-on-ones. The latter has inherent finishing and a clinical edge, which top-level strikers need.

Gray knows this, therefore his approach to transition is wise. He speaks of being increasingly stoney-hearted in front of goal, yet, it is the systematic efficiency which may not develop: it cannot be taught, only honed, which is an issue.

Yet it appears the Young Lion has the ‘je ne sais quoi’, according to England U21 manager Aidy Boothroyd. It has been picked up on early in Gray’s career and a conversion is taking place at international level. His attributes generally fit all required areas. In addition, he was hailed as a shining light in Friday’s U21 England match with Holland. With the FA website stating:

"Gray day It was Demarai Gray, one of the best players on the pitch, who came closest to winning it for England in the 83rd minute. The Leicester City forward had been a real threat throughout the game and when he cut in from the left and placed a shot beyond Biglow, it looked as though the deadlock was broken as the ball arrowed towards goal. But unfortunately, it cannoned down off the underside of the bar and out to safety as England were left to settle for a point before turning their attentions to Tuesday’s trip to Latvia where they will hope for better luck.”"

So, Gray has produced the goods for England youth teams – quite spectacularly on occasion. The Leicester City winger/striker is often impressively deadly up-top versus youth international-quality opposition. Scoring six goals in total for the Young Lions whilst ‘up top‘.

Drifting left versus Liverpool

Against Liverpool, the 22-year-old made a huge effort to chase down and pressurize defenders. Not to mention find space and make inventive runs for prospective passes. This can all be checked on multiple online stats databases. Yet, Gray had a natural tendency to drift wide-left, leaving the main forward position almost vacant. Jamie Vardy seems to do this only if chasing a play; not without involvement with a lack of concentration.

Despite playing well as an auxiliary striker against Notts County during preseason, while Vardy recovered from England duty, Gray’s goal came from his expertise at left-sided cut ins. These facts tend to suggest that despite playing well with the English youth as the main forward man, he is suited better to the wing.

Leicester Mercury‘s opinion on the 21-year-old playing as a main forward is as follows: “Puel not giving up on Gray as a striker – For the first time in the Premier League, Demarai Gray led the line for City against Liverpool. Although the 22-year-old did not have as big an impact as City would have liked, substitute striker Kelechi Iheanacho playing a big role in the attempted comeback, Claude Puel is not giving up with the experiment just yet.”

There is then a quote from Puel on the subject from LCFC Live’s article:

"“Against Liverpool it was difficult for him. “He is a player who played very well from the start of the season and he needs to continue with a good focus and aggressiveness in his play. “He needs to be consistent because that is the difference between the young player and the experienced player. They have to learn, like all the young players in the team.” – Claude Puel"

Again, Puel seems to suggest he is interested in continuing the ‘Gray experiment’ further – albeit, while wanting more consistency and potency from his player. On the subject, the Frenchman says: “I think he [Gray] has all the quality in this position.”

According to the man himself, the Birmingham born footballer can add ruthlessness whilst altering his game to play as a front man:

"“I thought we [he and Maddison] had a lot chemistry up there.” “It’s [playing as striker] something I’ve adapted to well. In training, the manager has been working a lot on me playing centrally and I’ve enjoyed it. It’s nice to score goals, so if I’m asked to play there more often, I’ll be happy. “That’s [ruthlessness] one thing the manager has worked on with me, so if I do go inside on the right and then on the left, the defender isn’t going to know what I’m doing. It paid off and I think stuff like that is what I’ve got to work on – to be more ruthless in front of goal.” – Demarai Gray (Via: LCFC Live)"

If Puel continues with his experiment, it will possibly lengthen the progression of Gray as a possible England senior regular. This is because he is, almost, learning a new style – despite, almost, being close to the finished Premier League article as a winger. Well, his impact, productivity and game time is gradually increasing.

Where does this leave Kelechi Iheanacho?

Evidently, Puel is not completely satisfied with Iheanacho’s Premier League performance so far competitively this campaign, or he would not drop him for an important match. Although, the Nigerian’s cup scoring record is excellent. Maybe he will play in that competition more often – especially the League Cup. In effect, Iheanacho is currently the second choice striker, but Gray was tried for appraisal against Liverpool; contrary to some fans’ wishes.

This writer has seen Gray in three positions: right-wing, left-wing and striker – at international and club level. In conclusion, it seems that Leicester City working on his rawness at left-wing is the correct focus. Improving his strength slightly to complement already rapid pace is essential. If this is achieved, as well as his final ball refining slightly – his assist and goal ratio will increase. Eventually, a call-up and from Gareth Southgate and graduation will occur.