Leicester City 2-0 Bournemouth: match report, player ratings
To be completely honest the only areas due some form of negative critique are clinical finishing and lack of key, direct wing play. 18 shots from quality positions means at least three should be netted. Being so dominant leads some to deduce that a higher conversion rate is a given. It is not in a transitioning side.
Harvey Barnes is still a raw premiership prospect currently. That is no disrespect to his impact or positive input. It is, however, a reference to his output. Two assists shows the 21-year-old is developing nicely, but expect a volcanic eruption of goal involvement any game now.
Although the academy graduate must be utilised correctly. If the outings completely bypass him with lesser involvement and safe back passes due to opposition attention he becomes a luxury. Running at fullbacks, then very basically shooting and key passing are his strengths along with some fine one-touch link-up play.
Demarai Gray is another who wasn’t an overall high ranking player; with some large patches of being missing in action so to speak. When he did get at his markers he tore them to shreds metaphorically, creating opportunities in Eddie Howe’s team’s half.
Kasper Schmeichel – 8
Commanded excellently through leadership as always. Made four saves and is seemingly more assured with occasional bold or ill-advised distribution.
Ricardo – 8
Another who must keep his cool with or without the ball while defending. The Portuguese did so much more effectively than on occasion earlier in the season. A constant threat on the overlap, on mazy runs, shooting and of course with his mid-height crosses.
Morgan – 9
Another exemplary display from the veteran and a goal to boot. ‘Give him another year’ they cry. Realistically Harry Maguire better start showing his usual level or the Jamaican will keep his place at this rate.
Evans – 8
Comfortable and measured when necessary. A tough tackling no-nonsense go to guy when needed. Also a goal threat. Kept tabs on the dangerous Cherries strikers well.
Chilwell – 7.5
Did enough. Consistent in defence and going forward. Could have offered slightly more in attack and can be even more useful by directly taking on opponents. Normally an eight here, but this kids a world beater so we want more.
Ndidi – 9
Almost an immaculate performance from the now revitalised Nigerian. Our man in front of the defenders only put one or two feet wrong for the entire match.
Tielemans – 9
Talking a close to perfect output, this guy is ice-cold. Monaco have some player on their hands and it’s gonna be £40 million if Leicester City are lucky enough to prise him away. Evidently the important piece of business for the summer is securing Tielemans’ long-term signature.
Maddison – 8.5
Maddison is maturing and getter better at a fast rate for such a young age. A goal or assist would’ve garnered a rating of nine.
Barnes – 7
More involvement would’ve achieved a higher score.
Gray – 7
Similarly to Barnes, we want to see him with the ball for longer spells. Albeit that may not be either Foxes’ fault because of Leicester’s system.
Vardy – 7.5
Made energetic runs, kept them on their toes. Missing the guilt edge chance and overall sharpness cost him a bigger score.