Talent, technique, toughness: Caglar Soyuncu vital for Leicester City

Caglar Soyuncu has made the second centre-back position his own at Leicester City already this season. He did so by through technique, talent and toughness.

At the beginning of this campaign some Leicester City fans, including this writer, were rather concerned that sufficient quality and experience was not available in the centre-back position. We needn’t have worried.

Around this same time in 2018 last year, the Foxes bought two young centre-halfs: Filip Benkovic, a Croat, as well as Turk, Caglar Soyuncu. Both were purchased as prospects for the future; Benkovic went on loan to Celtic where he impressed massively. Though everyone is aware, including Brendan Rodgers, that the Scottish Premier League provides no comparison to the English Premier League.

Whereas Soyuncu was injured for a while and had some limited first team opportunities – he was seen as slightly unreliable at the time with all due respect. Apologies for the curt assessment but the Turkish international was awkward on the ball, made some silly errors and wasn’t reading opponents’ forthcoming attacks perfectly. It was understandable to be honest, as he was new to best league in the world.

Throwing Soyuncu in at the Leicester City deep-end

Yet when the crowd favourite and gifted defender Harry Maguire departed for Manchester United deep into the transfer window before this season, the former Freiburg man found himself nominated as a perceived premature or stopgap replacement for Maguire. However, Soyuncu rose to all five occasions when Leicester played this season.

Statically, in his first game versus Wolverhampton Wanderers this term, “Cags” played very well: completing 91 per cent of his 78 passes, two of them successful long ones. He made one dribble, three tackles and three clearances, while winning a stunning five aerial duels.

Against the four other sides the 23-year-old’s displays were very similarly as destructive for opponents and consequently positive for Leicester City. He even supplied a vital assist for Harvey Barnes’ fine winner at Sheffield United. And playing the whole match at Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup. Our stats are via WhoScored.

Though it is Soyuncu’s consummate coolness that has surprised many: controlling the ball with ease, deftly intercepting, making strides forward in possession. Additionally, to the slight annoyance of Brendan Rodgers, his embarrassing of defenders through silky fakes, Cruyff-turns and skills was thrilling.

Leicester Mercury, however, quoted the Foxes boss as stating that “We don’t want him to do that.” Although, as long as it doesn’t become silly or unnecessary, Foxes of Leicester believe the rookie EPL star of the future is doing a great job in recreating Harry Maguire’s style and impact – if not surpassing it! Quickness of mind and legs have certainly helped.

Many people would point at Soyuncu’s toughness – which is comparatively high with respect to elite footballer specimens. Though his sinewy, stout frame is complemented by a well-honed technique as well as an eye for a decent pass. Like Maguire, the ball has a magnetism towards Soyuncu in the penalty box.

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Combine the aforementioned points to the fact that he is as strong as a bull and we are talking about a world-class defender – if Soyuncu can maintain this high-level of performance. That won’t be easy as Leicester City face some stiff opposition in the next premiership match-days.

Though the new quintessential Foxes cult hero will battle until every final whistle to ensure victory. We hear he has an appetite for success and friendly competitiveness even in training.

England’s top-flight now undergoes a two-week break as we look forward to a couple of rounds of nation against nation. With the Three Lions playing Bulgaria and Kosovo in qualifying for the European Championship. The Foxes will play Manchester United at Old Trafford upon the return of club football.