Ricardo Pereira is a Leicester City fan favourite and thankful for it

Ricardo Pereira had a fine first season for Leicester City, the right-back was Player and Players’ Player of the Year. The defender is in turn very thankful for the plaudits and administration.

While deliberation surrounding the question of whether Leicester City player Ricardo Pereira is more proficient as an attacker or defender is still prevalent, the Portuguese conducted himself with focus and determination. That perseverance earned the former Porto star the Foxes’ Player and Players’ Player of the Year awards.

In defence the Portugal international was sufficient all season; growing in capacity, Premier League experience and efficiency as the term progressed. However, even towards the end of 2018/19 he continued to exhibit forward play that took the attention.

Statically the 25-year-old chipped in with two excellent goals and six assists. Yet his contribution at the back was impressive too, as he topped the East Midlands side’s roster on WhoScored. Only Wilfred Ndidi managed more successful tackles, whilst Ricardo placed in the top-three for interceptions amongst Foxes.

Lcfc.com interviewed the No.14 with regard to his outstanding initial campaign at King Power Stadium, to get his impression of life at Leicester:

"“It was very good,” Ricardo told LCFC TV. “It was different, tough, but it feels even better when you come here for the first season here and you do your best and you achieve your goals.“It’s what I’ve tried to do since the start of the season and I tried to do it again [against Chelsea], and I want to thank them (the Club’s fans) for the [Player of the Season] award.”Ricardo said of Sunday’s game: “It’s very good to feel the atmosphere because they support us, they were there all season and that’s a reward for them too.“Our first goal is not to concede goals. The clean sheet was good. Unfortunately, we didn’t finish with a win, but it was not a bad result.”"

How nice it truly is to hear a humble professional. The ex-OGC Nice midfielder is an affable seeming fellow who enjoys to interact with fans on social media; as opposed to some rather ignorant pros we could mention. In turn the Blue Army certainly appreciates Ricardo and his efforts.

More from Foxes of Leicester

• Enzo Maresca hails four star Leicester players
• Harry Winks reveals his easy decision to join Leicester
• Southampton 1-4 Leicester City: 3 Foxes positives and negatives
• Southampton 1-4 Leicester: 3 things learned
• Predicted Leicester City starting XI vs Southampton

This writer feels that Brendan Rodgers’ team needs another quality right-back, because, as previously stated, there could be a gap there. Or there will be if Ricardo is eventually redefined as a winger. Not to mention Daniel Amartey being the only, unsatisfactory, reserve.

Even if it is just a tryout, it’d be interesting to see Rodgers experiment with Ricardo in an advanced role during preseason. Although he has proven himself good enough in his current position – the faithful want to see the best from him and possibly add to squad depth simultaneously.