Claude Puel needs to find his best XI at Leicester City – fast

For all the positive influence Claude Puel has on Leicester City, he is struggling in certain areas. One of these problem factors is selecting and continuing with his ‘best’ first XI.

Leicester City are making progress under Claude Puel and his stylistic upheaval. While he has been at the King Power Stadium a year – see Sky Sports’ introduction here – it is not easy overhauling an elite side.

Changing many facets of the Foxes playing system is a systematically time-consuming process. Maybe this has alleviated the urgency for an undeviating, steady starting lineup. Yet, the French boss is doing so while winning at least the minimum expected amount of games. Awkward, when under construction.

Many from the ‘Puel out’ faction of the Blue Army criticise the Foxes manager’s methods – sometimes, justifiably so. Certain factors in the development of the side are inaccurate or simply wrong. One mistaken area is playing captain Wes Morgan.

Unfortunately, the skipper, a legend of the club, is way past his best. To be completely honest, he never was a very competent footballer per say. A dedicated and great leader, yes. But now with the pace lacking and mental strength evading him, the two red cards he received, this early in a campaign, are indicative of the error in starting Morgan.

Another aspect, which Foxes of Leicester have written about – see above – is the inexplicable slow starting. This cannot continue, especially in the Premier League, and must be addressed immediately! Sometimes a proverbial kick up the behind will do the trick; is Puel capable? Possibly not. Therefore, assistant manager Jacky Bonnevay must step in. In addition to a team leader like a Kasper Schmeichel, leading from the goal.

If the Frenchmen in charge of Leicester City cannot address these issues, then they may find themselves out of a job. Check the latest odds for first managerial dismissal from the Premier League at oddsshark.

With regards to finding his most effective team line-up, Puel has had many games to indulge in trial and error – even the League Cup saw a host of changes at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Rotational experiment is one thing; rotating an outfit in the league is another altogether. Leicester City are a team which has made one of the most switches in 2018/19.

The core of the side is evident, and more often than not, regularly fielded: Schmeichel; Harry Maguire; Ben Chilwell; Wilfred Ndidi/Papy Mendy – one or the other would suffice possibly, although, that requires altering the formation; and Jamie Vardy.

Daniel Amartey and Kelechi Iheanacho are apparently part of this. Marc Albrighton, Rachid Ghezzal and Demarai Gray are not assured of beginning every match. Oddly, the talented duo of Vicente Iborra, nor Adrien Silva can stake a realistic claim to begin at present.

Strange selections occur too, for example: removing James Maddison from his preferred, as well as already proven deadly, position behind the striker(s). He now finds himself on the left of attack; indicating the staff are devoid of correct tactics at present.

Amartey at right-back is, frankly, not sufficient; Leicester City will no doubt attempt a fresh defensive capture in the January transfer window. Maybe Harvey Barnes will also return; increasing Puel’s difficulty in the selection dilemma.

Hopefully, it won’t take long to implement a preferable side following the international period currently undertaking. Consistency and utilisation of the finest layout and setup is imperative in the English Premier League. This way, morale and team spirit is boosted rather than diminished; while competition for places can successfully arise.