Leicester City put themselves in a commanding position in Europa League Group G with a four-nil thrashing of Portuguese side Braga.
Just over 72 hours from a dominating victory at Elland Road, Leicester City were at it again this time hammering supposedly dangerous Braga to put them in a confident position to qualify from the group stages. Kelechi Iheanacho set them on their way with some great link up play and a slice of fortune to tap home before his second strike took a hefty deflection into the bottom corner.
The Nigerian-international then laid on a third for substitute Dennis Praet before James Maddison notched the fourth. Their swagger grew as the game wore on and it should have been more but Leicester will be content with 2 wins and 8 goals in 3 days. They’ve now gone five wins in a row, and eight wins from all eleven games this season, add that to twenty-six goals in total and you’ve got a team purring along nicely just like they were 12 months ago.
Once again a key point needs to be made. Brendan Rodgers and his staff are achieving this run of form without injured players Ricardo Pereira, Timothy Castagne, Jonny Evans, Caglar Soyuncu & Wilfred Ndidi. This particular game also lacked top scorer Jamie Vardy, so how did the players selected perform?
Kasper Schmeichel – 7
Not really called into action a great deal other than to offer support to the centre backs as an outlet. Solid throughout and no shanked clearance to moan about.
Marc Albrighton – 7
The effects of playing right wing back twice in 3 days did seem to take its toll on Albrighton’s influence in the game. As always covered as much as he could. Booked on the 42nd min, subbed on the 60th.
Luke Thomas – 8
Grew as the game wore on with the game swinging heavily in Leicester’s favour. Thomas ensured he was solid in the first half but second half pushed on and was more involved in attacks out wide creating good chances.
James Justin – 8
The amount of football that James Justin is having to play and the range of positions is extraordinary. This game required a centre back position but he was once again covering every blade of grass and was rarely turned by Braga, bar one scare in the second half.
Wesley Fofana – 9
Running out of superlatives for this young man and am keen to see him go up against a world class striker to work out if he has any flaws. His positional sense, timing of tackle, pass choice, power in the air, composure & speed were all in evidence again.
Christian Fuchs – 8
Solid, compact and assured, particularly second half that he covered the full left hand side of the back line to enable Thomas to push forward.
Hamza Choudhury – 9
Possibly his most mature performance in a Leicester shirt. He was asked to cover the Mendy/Ndidi role of the holding midfielder and didn’t disappoint. Positionally he offered cover all match and made several crucial tackles and even blocked some shots. This performance will give him great confidence
Youri Tielemans – 8
Kept the game ticking over nicely and was a key part of the third goal. Not as spectacular a performance as Monday but integral in midfield snapping at the heels of the opponents. subbed off 70 minutes
James Maddison – 9
Hitting his stride now, found pockets of space, picked out key passes and was a threat all game with his shots. Thoroughly deserved his third goal of the season. Delighted that Southgate ignored him and he can get 2 weeks rest from Sunday.
Cengiz Under – 7
Coming along nicely but still trying to find a rhythm with his passing with his teammates. Several times his build up play was excellent before overhitting a pass or picking the wrong option subbed off 60th minute.
Kelechi Iheanacho – 9
It seems he has finally found his identity in the team. Picking up where he left off with a very similar display that he had against Zorya Luhansk. Dropping in deep with his back to goal and allowing runners to go beyond him before picking out key passes. The key moments were the goals that had a slice of fortune about them but his job is to make and create, so 2 goals and 1 assist was a job well done. subbed off 71st minute
Leicester City Substitutes rated
Wes Morgan – 7
Subbed into game 60th minute. Solid as ever and kept the play neat and tidy, edging ever closer to his executive role.
Dennis Praet – 8
Subbed into game 60th minute. Offered an extra runner and bite in midfield. Picked up his goal nicely surpassing last season’s tally of one in eleven games.
Ayoze Perez – 8
Subbed into game 71st minute. Caused problems when coming on picking out nice wide positions, setting up Maddison for his goal and nearly scoring with a deflected header that rubbed the post.
Harvey Barnes – 8
Subbed into game 71st minute. Busy and energetic and looked eager to show Gareth Southgate what he can offer now he has been omitted from the England squad.