Unless Claude Puel switches to a defensive-three, Leicester City need to buy another right-back in January

Unless Claude Puel switches to a defensive-three, Leicester City need to buy another right-back in January. Although, it is unlikely he will change the system or formation regardless of results.

If Leicester City manager Claude Puel continues with Daniel Amartey at right-back in the back-four of a 4-2-3-1 formation, then the club should invest in a new, arguably more competent addition during the January transfer window. There are many reasons for this, which hopefully, Foxes of Leicester will make abundantly clear.

Amartey has done alright at full-back. Not bad, ok, good enough; indeed. Yet, if the strive for seventh or even a sixth position is to be realised, every spot in the side must be world-class and performing at a high standard on a regular basis. The Ghana international is not quite there at the moment, nor is he likely to become the mainstay on-the-right.

However, that is not the defensive-minded-midfielder’s fault; he is not being played in his favoured role. His country utilise him as a centre-back; a trial which also didn’t go well in the East Midlands. Although he is accustomed to being a utility player throughout his career, Leicester City require a quality defensive craftsman.

Needed, is a man whom has played at right-back for all of his life; one proven in the best division in the world, the Premier League – or La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga – Amartey is not that guy, sadly, with no disrespect intended. He is a true combative, hard-working, dedicated player, and a likable character on and off the pitch – needless to say.

Ricardo Pereira also did not ‘cut the mustard’ in the same questioned mantle; whereas, he is excellent more forward. Where the Portuguese may be most useful, is on the right-side of a midfield-four – thusly incorporating the 3-4-3 line-up this writer craves.

While speaking to Leicester Mercury, Claude Puel conversed over the preferred placement of the Ghanaian, and where the Frenchman would ideally like him to ply his trade:

"“Daniel is a right-back for me,” said Puel. “He is strong and he plays well in this position.“I think he has all the right attributes to play right-back. Of course he needs to correct some details or some tactical things with the start of the ball and his anticipation, different things. It is normal.I think it is important when we see a player to try to use him in the best position.“Of course he can play centre-back and in midfield but the right attributes to play his best performance for me is at right-back. He can give his best.“He plays well with strength and he wins his duels and he starts well with the ball. He has quality passes between the lines and he is interesting. He gives a good solidity and a good impact in our team.“If he continues like this he will become a fantastic right-back.“He has all the fantastic attributes for this and it is important to give a position without moving him to this position this time, as a centre-back, and that position another time, as a midfielder, then as right-back.“It is important for me to say now you are a right-back and now develop all the necessary game for this position.”– Claude Puel (Via: Leicester Mercury)"

Puel must complement, encourage and protect his players, so his comments are admirable. Though, he seems naive or delusional about the appropriateness of the 23-year-old’s place in defence. In addition, it seems that the gaffer likes the player, or the affable personality, and wanted to ‘fit him in’, so to speak.

Commendable; but not wise. While the assessment of attributes is correct; transition and application at elite level is anything but easy.

Another unsurprising revelation from the Leicester City bosses talk with the Mercury, was that of Amartey’s previous desire to depart the King Power Stadium:

"“It was a challenge for him from the beginning. He wanted to go on loan but I kept going and insisted to keep him to try to find the right position for him.”– Claude Puel (Via: LCFC Live)"

According to WhoScored‘s rating system, Amartey is not performing particularly adeptly; he scores an indifferent 6.68 for the season. His best statistics mostly surround clearances: a factor which is more Sunday league than the quality type of play of Puel’s aspirations.

Realistic alternatives from the premiership that FoL would relish at the King Power concern players from the top half of the table, whom are not currently playing or starting games. Unless Leicester City get the cheque book out for a larger fee, which would be amazing for the core of the side.

If proven wrong, an apology to Puel and Amartey will be written, but don’t hold your breath for that outcome.