Why Leicester don’t require Dwight McNeil’s services

The last time Leicester City acquired a left midfielder from a side playing in claret and blue it was Marc Albrighton. In 2014/15, Albrighton left Villa Park to apply his trade in the East Midlands, which has turned out to be one of the Foxes’ best ever deals – given he signed on a free transfer.

The similarities between the two players span further than the colours of the shirts they represented (potentially) before moving to Leicester City, their attributes are also incredibly similar. The last time Albrighton enjoyed as much game time as McNeil has had this season, he ended the campaign with 214 completed crosses (2017/18, Albrighton started 30 of Leicester City’s 38 Premier League matches).

The main difference between the two is the price, as mentioned before, Albrighton was a spectacular free transfer but McNeil will cost a lot more. Sean Dyche has already alluded to the fact clubs are interested in the 20-year-old and with him being The Clarets most highly regarded asset, it will cost the Foxes a considerable amount of money.

McNeil has a supposed current market value of £16.2m, but that doesn’t paint the proper picture. Once you’ve put his age, nationality and importance to Burnley into consideration, you’re looking at a £45m player, at least.

Given that Leicester City have strayed away from playing target men strikers during the Claude Puel and Brendan Rodgers era, McNeil’s ability to deliver a cross becomes slightly redundant. If needed, Albrighton has always justified his place in the squad whenever he’s been called upon.

I don’t believe Dwight McNeil is worth the money for the Foxes, however, that shouldn’t downplay the quality he possesses. In a Brendan Rodgers side, the wingers need to play like wide strikers, scoring more goals than an old-fashioned crosser of the ball. Currently McNeil falls short on those requirements.