A correct system for Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho to thrive in at Leicester City

Claude Puel refused to alter his defensive setup at Leicester City; hopefully those issues resolve themselves. However, at the opposite end of the pitch, the Frenchman reinstated faith in Kelechi Iheanacho. His partnership with Jamie Vardy is worth pursuing; but which system suits the new look lineup:

Claude Puel is content – for now – with his 4-2-3-1 formation at Leicester City. He even stuck James Maddison on the left-side – in order to incorporate Kelechi Iheanacho as a supporting striker at the King Power Stadium.

Although, during the first-half against Wolverhampton Wanderers, it was evident the Englishman completes his best work from the central No.10 position. Therefore, Maddison was reverted back to his favoured spot, after the interval. Leicester City went on to beat Huddersfield convincingly 3-1, thanks to expert finishes from the former Norwich playmaker, Jamie Vardy and Iheanacho.

The Nigerian goalscorer will now likely begin again in the Premier League for the next match at Newcastle United. Despite a decent scoring record in the Carabao Cup, it seems important to try other forwards: Shinji Okazaki, Demarai Gray and Fousseni Diabate. They may be needed in the near future; in addition, Gray is extremely close to finding deadly and stunning form.

A goal and assist pretty much guarantee Iheanacho another start with fellow goalscorer, Vardy, upfront for Leicester City: but which system befits the pair?

Puel’s assessment of the Vardy/Iheanacho relationship versus Huddersfield Town:

"“We were at home, we had to respond, we had to win the game. This team (Huddersfield) plays deep. It was important to put another striker in the box with Vardy.”(Via: James Sharpe of the Leicester Mercury)"

This strikeforce has qualities in abundance. Vardy’s speed and perseverance is second to none. Complimented by Iheanacho’s threat in the air and skilful ability to round a defender – while deceiving the goalkeeper on the deft finish.

Evidence above from lcfc.com shows Puel’s format did work efficiently – contrary to this writer’s thoughts pregame.

Which formation suits two strikers at Leicester City?

It will come to no surprise if the Frenchman decides to keep his usual four-man defence. If he does so, a slight alteration is ideal in the layout – ensuring James Maddison is in the central No.10 position. Therefore, Liverpool’s setup is perfect: 4-3-3, with a flexible, narrow attack line.

The Leicester City quartet is self-explanatory in two places: left-back, Ben Chilwell; centre-back Harry Maguire. Daniel Amartey was much improved in the Wolves win, yet is far from a suitably qualified, guaranteed Premier League defensive starter. Wes Morgan, Caglar Soyuncu and Jonny Evans will battle for the other spot.

In this system, the Reds play three in central midfield, with a more attacking spearhead: recently covered by Georginio Wijnaldum. Maddison is this playmaker at Leicester City. It also opens up a place in the three forwards, on the left: Marc Albrighton or Demarai Gray seem favourable there.

The other choice of formation – and possibly preferable to suit the options of the Foxes – is the 3-4-3. Maddison is the nucleus and must be selected behind the strikers centrally. This can happen with an inverted triangle: Maddison; Vardy and Iheanacho ahead in a pairing. Expectations are high of a 30-goal return if Puel opts for either suggestions.

Again, Morgan, Soyuncu and Evans must complete for the other two places in the defensive-trio, in the other option. Yet, more straightforward, is the midfield: Chilwell is ready for the more attacking left-side. Ricardo Pereira is the most adequate player for right-midfield. Albrighton can provide a service there too. With Wilfred Ndidi and Papy Mendy in the centre.