Leicester’s most important player shows worth in crucial game

Steve McManaman was getting all romantic when he named his man of the match. Harvey Barnes was excellent in the second half, but one player stood head and shoulders above the rest – Wilfred Ndidi.

As Harvey Barnes weaved inside the box and teased a Liverpool foul, his assault on Liverpool’s back line was just starting. In less than ten minutes the game was turned around with Barnes superb finish completing a turn around. As admitted by ex-footballer turned pundit Andy Hinchcliffe on the excellent Set Piece Menu Podcast, sometimes producers are in the ear to push  certain players for man of the match awards.

Normally goalscorers and match winners will be given it but that sometimes belies the excellent work of a player who was on top form the whole game. The man that played Barnes in for his goal should have been given it as he was excellent throughout.

Wilfred Ndidi has turned into something of a central midfield beast. Despite Liverpool’s dominance Ndidi’s tireless work ensured Jurgen Klopp’s men had to work hard for everything they got. He was snapping away at challenges and consistently supporting as the pivot midfielder to the parting centre backs.

Nigeria’s star was also the only one for much of the game from the Leicester City side who were prepared to get involved with the aggressive part of the game. This was confirmed by an incredible stat, Ndidi made more ball recoveries (19) in a single match than any other outfield player in the Premier league this season.

Liverpool were bullying the foxes with their high press and without the Nigerian’s presence, their dominance could have been converted into the scoreline. His aerial presence also added much needed steel to a backline susceptible from corners which he helped both defend and attack.

Where the 24-year-old Leicester City leader’s game has improved under Brendan Rodgers tutelage and helped the team excel, is in his calmness on the ball and his confidence in knowing opposition players simply cannot get around his physique. This is how the King Power club now constantly play their way out of trouble with neat and tidy quick passes through the lines.

When he was carefully released within the diamond it allowed Leicester to play through the lines even more which is how he was able to find Barnes with a perfect delivery for the third goal. It may have been Steve McManaman’s choice to go for an exciting Harvey Barnes but considering how quiet he was for a long part of the game it seems strange to give it to him. Ndidi was easily the best player through the 90 minutes.

As N’Golo Kante’s star fades in West London, Ndidi’s shines ever brighter in the East Midlands, he is quite simply the best in his position in the Premier League and it won’t be too long before silly money is being considered by a club in desperate need of beefing up their own midfield.