Assessing Leicester City’s start to the Premier League Season

Finding a Consistent Starting XI

Puel has tinkered with the starting line-up throughout the season. Kasper Schmeichel has been ever-present in goal this season and has played well. Ben Chilwell and Harry Maguire have anchored the defensive unit, but Maguire’s centre-back partner has changed almost every match.

Chilwell has performed admirably this campaign. His marauding runs down the left side have helped City’s attack immensely, and he has been just as solid defensively. His fine form has earned him multiple national team call-up, and has made a fan out of Gareth Southgate with his defensive capabilities.

Maguire has continued to improve upon his solid displays from last year and during the World Cup. He has been solid in the air and confident on the ball. However, the same cannot be said about his partners.

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Wes Morgan is a great reader of the game, and can anticipate moves before they happen. However, at times he appears a step too slow, as evident by his red card at Everton. At 34, he should probably be phased out of the first team.

Jonny Evans has been a mixed bag this season. He has been given fewer minutes than expected in the league, and has at times looked sharp and other times not. The former Manchester United man has struggled and made simple mistakes at times.

Caglar Soyuncu, on the other hand, finally made his senior team debut against West Ham United, and looked strong at times, but reckless at other. If he can learn to time his challenges better, and use his strength to hold up attackers, then he could have a bright future at the King Power stadium.

Daniel Amartey and Ricardo Pereira have split time at right-back this season. While Amartey has had more starts and seems to be a favourite of Puel, he is still a liability in defence at times. Unfortunately for Amartey, he appeared to come down with a nasty injury against West Ham, and could be out for the foreseeable future.