Sky Sports’ monthly player rankings has arrived, there aren’t any Leicester City players currently on the list – but which Foxes make the season’s top 50?
It’s been an inconsistent season for Leicester City, to say the least. In fact, there’s been shock results, going both ways, which epitomise the rollercoaster ride that the entire Blue Army – consciously or not – signed up for.
With tragedy and transition at the club, it was always going to be an up-hill struggle to make ambition a reality by qualifying for European competition. Whereas in other campaigns, effort and determination may have been questioned – this term is an understandably underwhelming one.
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Leicester City’s top performers
Regardless of inadequate team displays, there are always certain outstanding performers in any side. FoL will name the three Foxes whom list on Sky Sports’ monthly power rankings for the overall season. For the month of January, no City player was named. Though there is a Leicester trio for overall performances in 2018/19.
No.3 – Ricardo Pereira
Arguably Leicester City’s best signing preseason, and third on Sky’s account of the Foxes squad is Ricardo Pereira. All in all he’s been as effective as any player on the roster this campaign. A great addition.
Sky Sports give the Portuguese a rating of 33,524 on their system, placing him 34th best for the entire Premier League. His main attributes are tantalising low-to-mid-height crossing; dribbling and beating his marker; long-range shots, lasting energy and swift pace.
Whereas, defending aspects seem to let the right-back down occasionally. He is certainly more proficient as a winger, as opposed to a defender.
Statistically, Ricardo’s value over the term for league games, via WhoScored, is as follows: two goals, four assists, 2.1 aerials won, four man-of-the-match awards; giving the 25-year-old a well above average score of 7.35.
No.2 James Maddison
After Ricardo, this writer believes James Maddison is Leicester’s second most imposing import since the summer. Gareth Southgate soon came calling to promote the Fox to his England squad following an array of inspiring displays. A full debut still awaits, for now.
Being the most expensive Championship export of all time would daunt many, but not our ‘Madders’ – he craves the notoriety and attention that comes with, potentially, being a complete, world-class No.10.
Stats for Maddison vary, per WhoScored we learn he has overall: five goals, as well as four assists; although mostly those credits came in 2018. A pass completion rate of 82.8, two shots a match, one man of the match accolade; giving the former Norwich City man a score of 7.12.
Concerning some Leicester City supporters is the fact that Maddison rarely finishes Premier League matches; hopefully if the issue is due to fatigue or being unfit then it is being addressed by manager Claude Puel in training. Being substituted 15 times in 23 outings is odd for the most innovative of the starting XI.
Again we consult Sky’s tally for the Three Lions Under-21 starlet, 33,944; which places the playmaker at 33rd – one place ahead of his teammate from Portugal for the 50 best premiership player classification.
While the 22-year-old can still improve and polish up a fair bit, especially with regards to strength on the ball. In addition he must stop looking for the incoming foul, rather the goal or open colleague; improve decisiveness in the final third; approach to image – not caring so much of social media and off field matters.
If these measures are taken there is no reason he cannot be a senior England fixture for many years to come; and, sadly for the Foxes, he would then be easily good enough to move to a top-six club.
Explaining Sky Sports‘ system
Basically, the media outlet’s system involves checking the league once a week in order to compile the list. Including 33 features from players’ statistics . Similarly to Fantasy Premier League, different positions on the park rate differently – such as higher points for goalscoring defenders in comparison to a striker netting.
No.1 Wilfred Ndidi
Well, well, well, Wilfred Ndidi is ‘Top of the Foxes’. Extraordinary. Considering he is not particularly recreating his form from 2017/18 at all. Though the Nigerian improved in Sunday’s loss versus Spurs to emulate his former self. Let’s not forget he also featured at the World Cup in Russia.
Ndidi’s total number from Sky is 36,877; that puts him in position 24 – a brilliant placing for the 22-year-old. Even though even he, honest as he is, would admit he is someway off last season’s prowess.
The Blue Army knows what to expect from Nigeria’s dynamic midfield general – tracking, breaking of opposition play and tough tackling. Yet, unfortunately, many now foresee misplaced passes and a lack of direct forward ambition. Which is understandable as a defensive midfielder.
Some even speculate that an extra ‘DM’ in the form of Papy Mendy has stifled his counterpart’s play; surely Ndidi or Hamza Choudhury would not agree. However, the arrival of the impressive Youri Tielemans means one less slot for a sideways and backwards thinking central pitch player.
Ratings for Ndidi from WhoScored are as follows: two top-flight goals – average for this type of player – but no assists. A whopping 3.9 headers won a match. 76.8 successful passes is inadequate – because so many are unadventurous. His best skills are defensive: 3.3 tackles and two interceptions in all appearances.
Was the list fair?
Errrm, fair-ish. At his age, and with his talents, Ndidi could become globally accepted as one of the best in his area. Such as the magical, and currently, out-of-position N’golo Kante; but improvement is essential. The ex-Genk player needs to work on previously mentioned aspects. Ricardo is deserving; whilst Maddison clings on to his ranking without much goal involvement of late.
Players whom are conspicuously absent include Ben Chilwell – most definitely Foxes of Leicester’s player of the season so far. Harry Maguire has been another above average competitor for City in 2018/19.
Crystal Palace are welcomed to the King Power Stadium for the next Premier League match on Saturday, February 23rd for another testing contest.