Foxes of Leicester
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Ben Chilwell is Leicester City’s ‘Player of the Season’ so far

By Thomas Bradley Alderman

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Ben Chilwell of Leicester City reacts during the Premier League match between Leicester City and West Ham United at The King Power Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Ben Chilwell of Leicester City reacts during the Premier League match between Leicester City and West Ham United at The King Power Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 14: Ben Chilwell of England reacts during a training session at St Georges Park on November 14, 2018 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 14: Ben Chilwell of England reacts during a training session at St Georges Park on November 14, 2018 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) /

Player of the year so far

It must be said, Fuchs was an absolute gentleman following his understudy becoming the favoured option in the position for Leicester City. Always believed to be ready with veteran support and never complaining – despite being completely, fairly ousted. Once in the starting XI consistently, Chilwell held his new place: playing the full 90 minutes of all 12 Premier League games for the Foxes.

During this third of a season, the former Huddersfield Town loanee imposed himself on the league in a true breakout campaign. Right-backs struggling to keep Chilwell under control as he drives forward up the left flank, is a constant sight. In fact, when the ex-Young Lion isn’t being double marked in attack, he is regularly regulating right-wing players – blocking shots, crosses and tackling.

Although, the expert challenge is a department of expertise for Chilwell, a minor criticism is us Blue Army faithful want to see it more! Yet, he is not impetuous, a good sign for longevity. Naturally, he is not quite the finished article, there are other areas to better too, for example: end product, as well as decision-making.

There are times the Leicester starlet has been on a mazy run past multiple opposition players, at the time to play the one-two pass, through ball, cross or shoot, he seems unsure. Occasionally, doing none of the above, consequently running thoughtlessly into trouble. Though, this is not a criticism, just an insight that the necessary upgrades will come; after all, he is not even age-22 for another month.

According to WhoScored, this season the Fox has the fourth highest rating for a Leicester City team member, with 7.07. That places him in front of Ricardo Pereira and Demarai Gray, respectively. Whereas, placing behind James Maddison, Wilfred Ndidi and Harry Maguire – the English World Cup cult hero is leading the way for the East Midlanders in WhoScored’s system.

In the Premier League this term, Leicester’s No.3 has some impressive stats: only 2.2 unsuccessful touches a match. Including an increasing 1.3 key passes; as well as averaging 3 clearances. And a low foul count – some would argue he needs to up his intensity a little. Although he is an intelligent footballer who rarely jumps into a challenge.

Defensively, his stats do need work: only making 0.2 blocks per game, 0.9 interceptions and 1.3 tackles a match on average in the top-flight. A little to learn but much progress achieved in 2018/19.