Leicester City theory: a tweak in attack to create more goals

This season the only Premier League club to score successively in every match up until the weekend, was Leicester City. This article analyses how the Foxes achieved this feat, as well as what it means for Claude Puel’s team’s development. Along with whether the attack is efficient:

Claude Puel has transformed the ethos of the Leicester City team as a whole – invoking their footballing nous and technique to use as a passing, possession side. And you cannot criticise the Frenchman for emulating the global leaders; there is no better example or alternative. All the leading clubs in Europe, or worldwide, control the ball, firstly.

Rope-a-dope

Yep, that statement sounds ludicrously condescending or obvious – how can you win a match without the ball/scoring? Well, paradoxically, one of the only clubs to ever win anything prestigious with a lesser possession style was Leicester City. It could be referred to as the ‘rope-a-dope’:

"The rope-a-dope is a boxing fighting style commonly associated with Muhammad Ali in his 1974 Rumble in the Jungle match against George Foreman. “In many competitive situations, rope-a-dope is used to describe strategies in which one contender lets their opponent fatigue themselves by drawing non-injuring offensive actions. This then gives the contender an advantage towards the end of the competition or before, as the opponent becomes tired, allowing the contender to execute devastating offensive manoeuvres and thereby win.” (Via: Wikipedia)"

To explain the analogy: whereas until recently, Leicester City would not particularly lull the opposition into a false sense of security, they merely soaked up the pressure – especially with N’golo Kante attached – and broke with extreme intensity and ferocity at the moment of recapturing possession. The theory in suggestion is that a balance is struck by the Foxes’ manager, whereby possession is the method – complimented by a swift counterattack.

A model of modern domestic greatness

Manchester City is the first port of call for a wanting-to-be-enlightened English side. Cultivated Spanish culture, complemented by English metal and worldly experience and sparkling young talent. But the mould is simple; according to Guardian, Guardiola’s offensive style involves:

"“a player with time on the ball in that zone [the Red zone is having possession on the edge of the opponents’ box] was a major threat, able to shoot or slide balls through the defence…Manchester City, notably, target the area on the edge of the ‘Hitzfeld red zone’, the space between central defender and fullback.”"

That is essentially the proposed tweak which will see the Foxes increase scoring – vital as it is for Vardy to resume his usual habits. This is not a proposal to plagiarize the style at the Etihad, but merely, to refine and develop on Puel’s already solid start at transition, via the example.

Enhancing team mentality, as well as their purpose, was critical to the initial overhaul. Stage two becomes addressing what it missing from the current outfit, which it had before, and now has lost: the swift counter of 2015/16. Reinstating the killer-counter for the correct scenario on the pitch.

Leicester City are occasionally accused of playing too many passes this season, especially in forward scenarios where there is little room to maneuver due to Premier League opponents fielding a deeper defensive line. Teams do that to deal with conceding Jamie Vardy breakaway goals – as all premiership defences suffered with, since circa 2014.

Now, this is where the Citizens approach is essential: so that Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane – and other immensely speedy company, under Guardiola – do not have the easy one-on-one chance, defences sit further back. Watch the Sky Blues’ goals this campaign; over half the finishes are netted as tap-ins after a byline play and cut-back from the afore-mentioned wingers, or fullbacks Kyle Walker or Benjamin Mendy. Therefore exploiting the side of the ‘red zone’.

Indeed, we have our own artisans and assistance artistes capable of holding the ball, weighting passes, along with supplying Vardy for some easy conversions. Ben Chilwell is Leicester City’s Mendy. An attacking left-back; who is fast becoming a league favourite amongst fans everywhere – and not just the Blue Army. Then there is James Maddison, who can contribute similarly to David Silva, Bernardo Silva or Kevin De Bruyne: key-passes, not always assisting a goal directly but initiating, instigating. Not to mention, chipping in with some important goals.

Whilst consulting the Premier League website, it is clear by the statistics that Leicester City cannot become complacent by the figures, while up until the Burnley shut out – the Foxes were the longest continuous premiership scorers this season. Despite only netting 17 in 12; conceding six.

Team goal totals show eight sides in front of Puel’s – certainly now more cultured – outfit. Whereas, the East Midlands club retain the same position in the highest shots and passes category, seven off the top. While, perusing the goals inside the box grouping: Leicester City only have 13, 16 begin the Citizens, at 11th ranking.

Passing with balance of counter-attacking

Goals for the King Power club are spread around the squad this campaign, which is a great bonus for a side – if their strikers’ productivity is efficient. Nine separate players netted for the King Power team this term. That includes two for defender Harry Maguire; with Ricardo Pereira and defensive-midfielder Wilfred Ndidi adding another.

According to Leicester Mercury, in an article from October – contrary to popular belief, Puel’s side is making more chances for Vardy, and in general. They believe he will reach his previous three totals of 20-plus strikes. And what about the theory that Puel is stifling the former England hitman? Simply not true: Vardy is attempting more shots on average – for October – than even the Premier League title-winning term.

Should Leicester City bring Iborra in to the side? Yes: with Ndidi cleaning up most exceptionally in the DCM role – defensive-central-midfielder – it alleviates the need for a similar player – Papy Mendy.

Giving precedent for two ball playing midfielders, or one, and a No.10. Firstly, a mildly restrained player like Iborra; the other, Maddison, who is free to roam. Think Fernandinho, Silva (David or Bernardo) and De Bruyne. There is a gulf in class between the two rosters, sure, yet, class is abundant in the Foxes’setup – they are more than able to replicate that type of play. In theory.

If aimless crosses are constantly prevalent, then Puel may reinstate loaned target-man, Islam Slimani.

Conclusion

If the opponents’ approach is playing a deep defensive line, Leicester City’s procedure should always be – when not counter-attacking – to play with a particularly high line with ball ownership. Thus, leading to those crucial slotted passes in between centre-backs and fullbacks.

Leicester City play Brighton Hove Albion in the top-flight English division. It is away on November 24, kickoff is 3pm GMT. The interval is due to the dreaded international break.