Ayoze Perez deserves more respect for first Leicester season

Leicester City’s auxiliary winger Ayoze Perez had a very decent maiden season for the Foxes. He deserves more respect for it.

Ayoze Perez was an astute signing for Leicester City. That statement is fairly indisputable. Though some people would have a go – we’re sure. The fact is that the Spaniard made a positive impact for the Foxes since joining. The Leicester squad appear to appreciate him – should us supporters recognize this input more overtly?

Perez managed to do so in the most competitive domestic division in the world – whilst technically playing out-of-position. His preferred role is actually No.9; there’s no chance of that with Jamie Vardy around. Along with the revitalized Kelechi Iheanacho. Yet for Perez to be involved in eleven goals whilst ‘uncomfortable’ is impressive.

Yes, the 26-year-old can occasionally drift out of even the most important of matches at times; but if concentration as opposed to desire is the main or only ‘issue’, then he’s still performed at least satisfactorily. If the man from Maria Jimenez was given a few consecutive matches as a support forward alongside or behind Vardy, we may see a ‘supersub’ developing.

Regardless of his self-professed “suffering” on the wing, Perez feels that his “quality” team-mates have enabled him to still produce in his sort of makeshift deployment. A marquee right-winger is needed at City; with Perez then potentially still having plenty to offer.

Ayoze Perez at Newcastle United

When at Newcastle United, the forward – who prefers to be central or in a support striker role – had mixed reviews from the Geordie faithful. While the treatment of the Spanish player by Newcastle as an outfit seems to have been fine, if slightly aloof. His goal tally upon exiting the side was excellent – for half of his final season. Read into that what you will.

Criticism of Leicester City star

Leicester Mercury stated recently that the former Magpie’s starting place is the most scrutinized in the Foxes starting XI. Presumably they don’t make it clear for obvious reasons of not wanting to be overly critical. Though it appears that the Leicestershire newspaper is referencing fan assessments rather than their own views generally.

Certainly many Newcastle supporters said he vanished a lot during games, although some of them also implore Perez to return to St James’ Park. With four assists and seven goals in an unfavorable role, we can see why. In fact, once ‘magic man’ and celebrated facilitator Mesut Ozil only managed 15 goal involvements in his first Arsenal campaign. He was fielded in his natural, preferred playmaker spot. Though Ozil only featured in 25 games.