Harvey Barnes’ recall could be a defining moment for Claude Puel at Leicester City

Very rarely has any of Claude Puel’s doing at Leicester City not caused any kerfuffle among the supporters.

From his appointment last season to the decision to stick with him earlier this summer, we have either seen the majority dissent from the opinion held by a certain section or the latter dissent from what is perceived as right by the former.

But you can’t blame them for the disagreements. Puel doesn’t really help himself with some of his decision making, which sometimes goes right through the brains without there being any clue about the reason behind it whatsoever.

You can compile a long list of such decisions – may it be the selection of Wes Morgan when he was seeing red cards for fun, or the non-selection of Marc Albrighton when he was actually doing better than anyone else in the team.

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The other day, however, we saw a change of trend as Puel chose to exercise the right to bring Harvey Barnes back to the King Power Stadium. There were variegated praises for the Leicester’s generally controversial boss, with the only bad words for him coming from anyone and everyone associated with West Bromwich Albion.

You’ve really got to feel for the Baggies, though. Barnes has been immense in their bid for promotion – having scored nine goals and assisted six – and for them to be left searching for a replacement at this stage is the kind of nightmare that must have made Darren Moore wake up in the middle of the night on a handful of occasions.

For Puel, Barnes’ recall is something that could bring him beatific sleeps. He has been struggling to find that balance since the very beginning of his tenure, but now that the 21-year old is here, Leicester could strike all the right notes as far as their defensive and offensive prowess is concerned.

"“He played very well. I would like to thank West Bromwich Albion and their manager [Darren Moore] because he gave him the opportunities to play,” said Puel.“He gave his best for West Bromwich Albion and I know it’s difficult for them to lose this player but I think it’s a good moment to come back home to help his team-mates.“He’s a clinical player, he can push [forward] and make a good penetration. He can keep a good composure, he’s calm with his finishing, and I am impressed by his qualities.”"

There are a number of ways in which Puel can fit the young Englishman into his XI. He can be deployed on either side of the wing in a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 – with the formation depending on  the opponent – or even in an advanced midfield role.

It might take some time for Puel to find the right position and role for Barnes, but wherever he plays, you can at least be sure that James Maddison no longer would have to be the only player that Leicester look to as the chief creative force. The no.10 has often found himself as his side’s only hope against teams that sit back, and that doesn’t always help both the player and the manager. It certainly hasn’t so far this season.

Obviously, Barnes will not instantly start firing in goals and assists – although the exigencies do require him to do exactly that – but in the longer run, he could possibly be the man that turns it around for Puel at Leicester City. Exciting times ahead in the East Midlands.