Hamza Choudhury, Leicester City saviour

With Wilfred Ndidi recovering from an injury until at least the start of February, Hamza Choudhury will step in for Leicester City. He’s ready for the opportunity!

“A definite problem but not a disaster”, is how this writer describes the Wilfred Ndidi injury. Yes the fact that he requires surgery adds extra worry: though Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers insists its only a small issue. In fact the Nigerian will be back in action in February, apparently.

Though, with Ndidi being one of the most vital assets at Rodgers’ disposal, a snug fitting piece of the Foxes jigsaw – it is concerning. This campaign Ndidi has led all defensive-midfielders for the top five European leagues in tackles and interceptions.

What an incredible achievement; the 23-year-old was edging towards tallying those statistics last season, too. Inevitably, he will be missed in Leicester’s midfield; although Ndidi’s passing was occasionally wild, he’s vastly improved that lacking attribute as well.

Hamza Choudhury, Leicester City’s saviour

However a ready-made replacement is already at the King Power club in the form of academy graduate, Hamza Choudhury. Choudhury has attained cult-like status with the Blue Army as an extremely fearless and combative player for the Foxes.

Additionally, for the same qualities, he has earned himself enemies in the form of opposition supporters due to injuries to other competitors. Perceived slights incorrectly judged.

Yet, the 22-year-old is an honest professional who never attempts to injure fellow pros: he simply wants to better them on the pitch. If he doesn’t go into the challenge with full force, he would be the man receiving difficulties from weakness in the tackle.

Choudhury has also shown a range of exceptional passes in his appearances for Leicester. Not to mention his appetite for perpetual harrying with great endurance. There is also his goal threat: an accurate rocket at Newcastle United is Foxes of Leicester’s favourite finish so far this season.

Is he ready to fill big shoes?

In short, yes: in FoL’s opinion and his own. Check out this interview with the England Under-23 international, following the draw with Aston Villa below. A match he was influential in altering:

"“I feel like these opportunities that I get I need to take to show the manager that I can fill in when he needs me.“I feel like that’s a strong point in my game, to win the ball back and try to circulate it and try to play forward as much as I can into the two number eights or out wide.”– Hamza ChoudhuryVia: Leicester Mercury"