3 Things we learned from Leicester’s win against SC Braga

The 3-4-3 may remain despite players returning

For the last half an hour of the game, after Wes Morgan’s introduction in the 62nd minute, Wesley Fofana played as the right-centre-back. This saw club captain, Morgan, operate as the central defender in the three, and maybe outlines how Leicester City will be structured with a wider array of fit personnel.

In recent weeks, Fofana has been used as the sole centre-back in the defensive three, partnered with two full-backs, James Justin and Christian Fuchs. This makeshift defensive unit has worked exceptionally, with all three pulling their weight, but the 19-year-old has showcased how much of a talent he really is.

His shift in the latter stages of the Braga fixture, saw him operate on the right-hand side. There’s been numerous reports that Jonny Evans is nearing a return to fitness, and Caglar Söyüncü’s injury isn’t “as serious” as was initially thought – so maybe a back three can remain with all of those included.

For me, Evans would have to be the central defender, as both Fofana and Söyüncü are aggressive in their pursuits of reclaiming possession (not a good attribute for the central defender) yet both have incredible recovery pace – something Evans isn’t as blessed with. When you’re playing as the wide centre-back, you’re often dragged into the wide areas to deal with the oppositions winger, having recovery pace is essential to dealing with this danger.

Tactically, I think the Foxes have understood the roles inside the 3-4-3, and have become a difficult side to beat. Reverting to the transitional 4-1-4-1/4-3-3 isn’t essential, and shouldn’t be forced if there’s fluidity in the current composition. Playing a defensive three also unlocks the true potential of both attacking wing-backs, Timothy Castagne and Ricardo Pereira – as their individual defensive work is of equal importance to their attacking play – the same can’t be said for the role of a full-back.