How does Ayoze Perez fit into Leicester City’s system?

Brendan Rodgers has secured his second signing as Leicester City manager after successfully landing Ayoze Perez from Newcastle United.

The fee is believed to be around £30 million. The initial reaction has been: is he worth the price tag? But also, how well does he fit within Leicester’s current system?

There is evidence that the Foxes have an exciting new player at their disposal.

Perez achieved a very good offensive output last season with14 goal contributions (12 goals and two assists). Played primarily as a second striker, he has also operated out wide.

Given than Leicester haven’t played a two striker set-up since the Claudio Ranieri era, it is unlikely he’ll feature alongside Jamie Vardy or as a second striker – considering the form of James Maddison, who seems to have locked down that position.

That leaves us with the wing. Demarai Gray has left an opportunity open for a top winger to claim the right side. Perez began his playing career as an attacking midfielder whilst playing with Club Deportivo Tenerife.

Seeing as Leicester’s wingers play as a combined three behind Vardy, they almost create a midfield trio. This suits Perez and his skill set.

A very instinctive player, he knows how to manoeuvre the play to help his teammates and himself. He provides the final product that has been lacking from Leicester’s wide men.

Plenty of times during the last season, the final opportunity fell to one of Harvey Barnes or Demarai Gray, who often missed the chance. With Perez, there’s a finisher’s instinct coming from a winger.

The only potential negative to Perez’s transfer is how it impacts any further business. There have been rumours of Leicester placing big money bids on strikers and wingers, with the final decision probably impacting the playing position of Perez as well.

Rodgers may wait to see the qualities of the Spaniard and see how he performs in a Leicester shirt before deciding his best position and consequently the position that needs bolstering.

Ironically, it’s the flexibility of Perez that’s actually causing a slight issue. If he was signed purely as a second striker to Vardy, then focusing on a winger in the market is easy. However, Ayoze Pérez hasn’t secured his position yet, and therefore Rodgers might be considering signing a player in both his potential positions.

It all seems rather confusing. Regardless, squad depth isn’t going to be an issue for Leicester next season.