Leicester City should have sold Islam Slimani because he doesn’t fit team
Brendan Rodgers has stated a few times that tall target men don’t suit his system at Leicester City. So Islam Slimani may as well have been sold.
Leicester City striker Islam Slimani has joined AS Monaco – a club seemingly increasingly close in business with the Foxes – on a seasontonng loan. A deal which includes an ‘option to buy’ clause.
The club said this about “Slim’s” move on their official website, lcfc.com:
"– Striker Islam Slimani joins AS Monaco on loan until the end of the season– The 31-year-old Algerian international signed for Leicester City from Sporting Lisbon in 2016– Slimani has made 46 City appearances and scored 13 goals since his arrival– He spent last season on loan with Fenerbahçe in Turkey"
Some, possibly cynical supporters and onlookers, believed the Algerian was signed not just as a proficient goalscorer but as a friend for countryman Riyad Mahrez; in order for his pal to stay content in a royal blue shirt. Or, drastically, even as a ploy to keep the million plus social media following from Algeria present on the east Midlanders’ accounts.
Obviously the latter is unlikely, as Slimani cost a record approximate £30 million. Yet the initial two points seem valid, in Foxes of Leicester’s opinion. Neither manoeuvre worked. The former Sporting Lisbon player struggled in the Premier League – unless headers were put on a plate. Yes, he managed to chip in with a couple of important Champions League goals.
Je suis très heureux de faire partie de ce groupe et impatient de relever ce nouveau défi avec l'AS Monaco, un grand club avec de grandes ambitions.
— Islam Slimani (@slimaniislam) August 21, 2019
Je vais tout donner pour que nous atteignions nos… https://t.co/iA8iOxXbMv
Though Slimani would’ve been vilified if he missed the European sitters in question. It’s not a criticism; forwards must make good runs and have astute positional knowhow. Yet he ambled in possession, slowly. Along with having a poor first touch; instant control is necessary at elite level.
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Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has stated before that a target man doesn’t fit his system. There is place for skilled and fast strikers, however, like Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho.
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Basically, if the big man does well at Monaco, regardless of the status on Filbert Way, the Foxes will want him to return. And obviously the French outfit will be knocking on Slimani’s agent’s door. But if he fails to make an impression, reminiscent to his previous Turkish club, he will be unwanted anywhere elite. Upon arrival with the Red and Whites, Slimani said on Twitter and Instagram that he is happy to be at a big club with big ambitions.