Leicester 0-2 Everton: Why Foxes dismal home record continued

Of course, Ndidi brings exceptional numbers for tackles and interceptions, but he also brings dynamism and mobility that are both lacking without his inclusion. Too often, the first line of the Leicester City press, composing of Jamie Vardy, Harvey Barnes, Cengiz Ünder, and James Maddison was bypassed without the second line in close proximity – Nampalys Mendy and Youri Tielemans. With Ndidi, there’s an initiator, someone willing to press aggressively out of his position, but who is also successful at doing so. The perfect midfielder for a counter-pressing team.

Another intriguing decision by Brendan Rodgers was playing both Barnes and Ünder as the wingers. Admittedly, the Turkish-international seemed to tuck internally to try and initiate play in the half-spaces, but I’ve been vocal about the composition of these two winger profile’s not working together. However, that was inside the 3-4-3 formation, as inside the 4-2-3-1 you have an attacking-midfielder who can play the “connecting” role – such as Maddison. Even if it sort of worked compositionally, it didn’t provide the spark Rodgers would’ve anticipated.

The arrival of Ayoze Pérez, in the 61st minute, provided a better alternative. Leicester looked more dynamic, had an extra option willing to take his man on one-versus-one, and a clever, intricate ball-player around the box. His impression on the game was slight, I personally felt he deserved the penalty, but he showcased the correct balance in attack and hopefully highlighted the right composition for wingers in the future.