Premier League Power Rankings: 3 Leicester City players listed

Three Leicester City players are in the Sky Sports Player Rankings for Christmas. Which Foxes were named, and how did they earn their spots:

Leicester City sit a satisfactory 9th in the Premier League at Christmas. That follows an inspiring 1-0 win at Chelsea, thanks to a Jamie Vardy goal. However, before that match came three successive defeats in all competitions, where the Foxes played some distinctly disappointing, unimaginative football.

Whether those issues are the result of Claude Puel’s tactics, training regime and style is one reason. Some players haven’t adapted well, pulled their weight or been scouted correctly to fit in with the team either. Yet when the Frenchman gets the majority of his game plan correct, the results are stunning, just like at Stamford Bridge.

Excellent Leicester City performers in difficult times

During the Christmas period Sky Sports compile their own Power Rankings list, with many qualifying factors:

"“The Power Rankings methodology reflects a player’s performance by awarding points for 34 different stats”– Via: Sky Sports"

Three Power Rankings players

Which players made the list:

Kasper Schmeichel (3rd Leicester entry)

Schmeichel is loved at Leicester City. He has been the No.1 for many years now; a respected champion and leader. His shot stopping has been exceptional again this campaign. Yes, sometimes his kicking is a bit erratic and does not always need to be long and hopeful, but overall providing even distribution.

Recently the Dane kept two clean sheets in five matches. In that time his rating ranged from 5.17 to a season high of 8.01 versus Chelsea, according to WhoScored.com.

Ricardo Pereira (2nd Leicester entry)

Ricardo made the right-back position his own, at present. There is not really any real competition, although earlier in the season us Foxes were worried about his defensive attributes. He was always imposing, supplying end product going forward; though now he is a valued defender too.

In the last five games, Ricardo was awarded the Man of the Match by WhoScored on two occasions, as well as Foxes of Leicester’s twice. That is impressive. Ratings of 8.33 and 8.77 have come his way.

James Maddison (1st Leicester entry)

A playmaker was needed at the King Power Stadium in the wake of Riyad Mahrez’s departure. James Maddison was the most expensive Championship import of all time. Some questioned the price and quality he possessed at the time – and every single one of them had to eat their words, as the 22-year-old rapidly made a big name for himself in the premiership.

Over the recent period leading up to Christmas, ‘Madders’ should have appeared in another game, unfortunately he was suspended for simulation – for which he apologized. Scoring two and assisted once in that time; in addition to taking Player of the Match honours.

Leicester City meet Manchester City on Wednesday – or Boxing Day. Liverpool have overtaken the currently fragile Citizens. Yet Puel will need a game plan as astute as the one from Saturday to get anything from the Premier League clash while facing tactical master, Pep Guardiola.