Why Filip Benkovic deserves a chance at Leicester

The red card of Caglar Soyuncu at AFC Bournemouth last weekend rejuvenated the conversation of whether Leicester City require a new centre-back.

After January’s failed attempt of signing Merih Demiral from Juventus, Leicester City secured the services of Ryan Bennett from Wolves on a loan for the remainder of the season.

However, after only making his debut in the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace and appearing in every game since then, Bennett is now one of only three centre-backs available to Brendan Rodgers.

There has been calls that adding to the heart of the defence is the number one priority for the East Midlands club this summer with Wes Morgan last making an appearance in the 0-0 draw at Wolves in February (he came on in the 94th minute) and turning 38 in January.

But, many have forgotten the name, Filip Benkovic. The Croatian defender is currently playing for Bristol City on loan after joining the Robins in January.

Benkovic, who played under Rodgers at Celtic throughout the 2018/19 season, has made six appearances for the Championship club, starting the previous three.

After starting the restart with four straight defeats, Lee johnson was dismissed as manager. Since the 1-0 home defeat to Cardiff City, Benkovic has put in solid defensive performances in a three-game unbeaten run.

Could Filip Benkovic be involved for Leicester City next season?

When Bennett arrived to bolster the options in central defence, it was understood that an option to make the move permanet was included.

If this goes ahead, the Foxes will have five players centre-backs in their squad. With Morgan reaching the end of his career, he is unlikely to feature much and will most likely be utilised as an experience head in the dressing room.

With European football looking likely -we hope – the ability ot Benkovic would boast the quality in-front of Kasper Schmeichel in domestic and European competitions.

After earning rare reviews for his performance in Bristol’s victory over Hull City, their first win since February, the defender went on to put in another positive performance at Middlesborough before earning the man of the match award in the draw to Stoke City with a neat curling finish.

With the caretaker manager, Dean Holden, switching to a back three, Benkovic was praised for his ‘bravery’, ‘passing’ and ‘interceptions’ by BristolLive following the victory over Hull.

Following another outstanding performance in the 1-1 draw to Stoke, Benkovic received more praise after having the most headed clearances and interceptions according to Opta post-match stats.

In recent games, Rodgers has set his side up with a back three and the use of Benkovic could save Leicester City money for a different area of the pitch to improve.

Benkovic’s recent performances would have definitely caught the attention of his home club and with only two games remaining, further positive performances will certainly cause an argument for him to feature in the Premier League next season.

Despite rumours linking him to another loan move, this time with Lokomotiv Moscow, the former-Dinamo Zagreb defender could finally be handed a chance in the Foxes defence next season.