Leicester City should bring Harvey Barnes back in January and drop him in at the deep end

Leicester City’s Claude Puel should bring back Harvey Barnes in January and drop him in at the deep end. These are the reasons why:

Being from Leicestershire surely means Harvey Barnes would ideally have his top-flight breakout season at Leicester City. If the Foxes do not act fast in this scenario, then the young man may request a permanent move.

Lighting up the Championship came easy to Barnes. However, doing so in the Premier League is a more challenging aspiration. Yet, while with Barnsley, and now West Bromwich Albion on loan, the winger drew such attention that he made the England Under-21s squad for the first time.

In addition, the 20-year-old has pedigree, his father was a professional footballer. Paul was a naturally effective goalscorer too. Playing as a striker for: Bury, Burnley, Birmingham City Chesterfield, Doncaster Rovers, Huddersfield Town, Notts County, Stoke City and York City, according to Wikipedia.

Incredible form

Barnes the younger’s form at WBA is exemplary: involving himself in seven goals in 12 matches. It is no wonder that Aidy Boothroyd and Gareth Southgate monitored then promoted the forward. Making your debut at 18 in the Champions League instantaneously creates buzz; as well as only occurring to special players.

Descriptions of the Leicester City loanee’s stunning finishes range from the sublime to the ridiculous. His playing style is urgent and direct; something the Foxes are devoid of occasionally, at present. WhoScored delineate Barnes’ style of play as liking to dribble, cut inside and play short passes; often involved in swift, meticulous moves. Is that what the Foxes are lacking?

This gap of lethargic energy is partly due to Riyad Mahrez’s departure. While, ironically, he can also be mercurial. Mainly at the start of games can Leicester be accused of this urgency deficiency.

Whilst, an adequate replacement may already be at the club. Barnes is also close to the international elite scene, along with being on the radar of other established premiership clubs. Directness, energy, abundant effervescence and obviously, ability are treasured attributes in any team – at age-20, Barnes provides those elements.

At the academy since age-nine, the Leicester City graduate is producing such outstanding displays on loan at West Brom that his national recognition, and level, raised. Baggies boss Darren Moore stated recently that his loan player only needs to improve in a few areas to make Southgate’s elder team in the future. With lcfc.com describing the West Midlands swap as an: “excellent loan spell.”

Foxes of Leicester believe it may be correct for Barnes’ return to Leicester City in January; regardless of how well the side is doing. Even if Demarai Gray comes back to finally fulfill his potential – it will keep them both on their toes. Raising one another’s performances, rivaling for a place in the starting XI.

Rachid Ghezzal is possibly not a suitable replacement for his Algerian countryman, so there is a place there for Barnes, in theory. Marc Albrighton will most likely be utilised or reimagined as a wing-back or right-back, as he ages and City aim to bring youth and instant energy through their ranks.

Claude Puel is monitoring the starlet, but mentoring at Leicester City would be better

Puel has not ruled out the emergence of the wingman at the King Power Stadium in January. Maybe this is because there is a lack of something indescribable in the Leicester City roster. When asked about Barnes coming back in the new year, Puel was honest:

"“We will see. I am focused on my squad.“I follow Harvey’s performances of course but in January we will see what happens.“I am happy with his work and about the quality he puts on the pitch, and about the good way, good football for him. We will see.“This situation with this young player on the team, I think gives a good boost for all the club.“We have different payers on the national team, young players like Barnes who has performed well at this club [West Bromwich Albion].”Via Leicester Mercury"

Barnes could be the long-term cure or the missing spark of quality at Leicester City; the Blue Army or Puel will never know unless the Leicestershire lad is dropped in at the deep end of the Premier League for a run of five-to-ten outings in succession. This also alleviates facilitator James Maddison being wasted on the left-side of midfield/forward line.

Puel‘s encounters with youthful playmakers and skilled footballers is proven – as a mentor and guide, with such genius as Eden Hazard. However, some would argue that it would be insane not to start a teenage Hazard – if at one’s disposal.

Mastering the Championship is seemingly complete by the midfielder. Subsequently, the only way is up – that is with the Foxes, at the top-level.

Contracted until 2021, Barnes will not wait forever to establish himself on the highest echelon and will almost certainly do so with one club or another, the suggestion here is Leicester City will be insane not to give him that opportunity this term.

When listening for lesser league updates or watching Sky Sports News, Barnes’ name is unavoidable. In an absolutely positive sense, of course. Even though N’golo Kante leaving is more than two-years ago, some, including this writer, fear seeing another prospective great escape the East Midlands club.

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