Wes Morgan’s form may keep Harry Maguire on the sideline

Considering Wes Morgan’s exemplary recent form, which includes three goals in four games, Harry Maguire should not simply walk back into the Leicester City side.

We all have the capacity to suggest something which becomes false, some of us will atone for their mistakes by metaphorically eating their words. In this case Foxes of Leicester has a fairly large slice of humble pie to crack on with, regarding Leicester City captain Wes Morgan.

For at least a year this writer in particular thought it unnecessary or naive for the Foxes management staff to continue fielding the accident prone Jamaican. To be fair it, for a substantial amount of time it was a tough yet accurate assessment. Especially when you think of the wonderful options at centre-back that the East Midlands club possess.

Jonny Evans is now just about the first choice central defender, he has made one or two errors but on the whole he’s a formidable and classy operator. Which completely justifies his standing under boss Brendan Rodgers.

Morgan and Evans won as a duo against Burnley after Harry Maguire’s red card. Not to mention the Englishman’s record for City is eight losses in the previous 11 contests he’s completed.

Maguire was the number one selection for the position. Naturally this status emerged from excellent displays last season. Not to mention his heroic efforts with England at World Cup Russia 2018. Of course Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate prefers Maguire to others for his on-the-ball quality and dribbling out ability. Something Jonny Evans is also capable of.

However, this season the former Sheffield United player is not at his best. Suspension may have cost him starting XI place. Additionally the recent decline hasn’t gone unnoticed by us or loyal Leicester City supporters – who value team advancement over star names.

In all honesty this feels strange to explain, because Maguire is subjectively Leicester’s most proficient defender on his day. He is certainly the most high-profile. Though the old adage ‘don’t change a winning team’ comes to mind immediately.

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Wes Morgan’s revival at Leicester City

It’s not just finding the net prolifically of late that’s won the plaudits for the 35-year-old, his technique and calmness is at a seemingly better standard. Many times over the past two years when goals have been conceded, the finger of blame was rightly pointed at Morgan by those not blinded by previous achievement as well as reputation.

While comparisons of Morgan and Maguire’s performances this campaign are interesting, as we consult WhoScored. In fact the season averages are better described as fascinatingly similar:

Wes Morgan: rating – 6.85, three goals, two red cards, 80 per cent passing rate. 4.1 aerials won, 1.3 successful tackles and interceptions; five clearances and 0.5 blocks per match.

Harry Maguire: rating 7.01, three goals, one red card, 84.5 per cent passing rate. 3.8 aerials won, 1 successful tackle, 1.3 interceptions, 4.8 clearances and 0.6 blocks per match.

From the statistical analysis you can obviously see there’s a distinctive similarity between the teammates. Let’s face it, Maguire is better and will eventually take his place back. Though at this moment, or for Saturday, captain Morgan deserves to start. Encouragingly, this proposed stint sidelined may reinvigorate the Sheffield born man.

Huddersfield Town are the forthcoming matchup for the Foxes. The Terriers were relegated following their loss to Crystal Palace at The weekend. Had Leicester City been travelling to the Etihad to face an outfit like Manchester City, then consequently Rodgers may have opted for three-centre-backs – with all mentioned players involved. Although, going to the St John’s Stadium doesn’t merit the same protective response, so expect Evan along with Morgan to start.