Slavia Prague 0-0 Leicester City: Pros and cons of the diagonal pivot

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Slavia Prague’s Czech midfielder Lukas Masopust (R) and Leicester’s Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi (Photo by MICHAL CIZEK/AFP via Getty Images) /

However, versus Slavia Prague this shifted to a more diagonally-associated pivot, which had the Belgian playing slightly advanced of Ndidi. This was an attempt to puncture the press of the Červenobílí (“The Red and Whites”) and bypass the initial line of the press. This was effective when it worked, and made progression of the ball a lot more fluid for the Foxes. It’s downside is defensively, as instead of creating the screen – which forces the opposing midfielders to play around them (unless they’re able to pinpoint a pass between them) – they had to attempt battles in a one-versus-one environment.

Surprisingly, Ndidi struggled in this department – despite having the perfect profile for head-to-head duels. It was a quiet game for the Nigerian, who’s aerial dominance in the centre of the park was nullified by clever positional adjustments from right forward, Abdallah Sima. I’m not suggesting Ndidi played badly, I was merely surprised he didn’t dominate in this setting.

As the game progressed, Leicester City began to create chances – particularly in the later periods of the first-half. Harvey Barnes was the focal point of the attacks, and was supported by well by full-back, Luke Thomas – who once again, played as an inverted full-back in possession for the Foxes.

Brendan Rodgers has utilised this role for the 19-year-old every time he’s fielded him in Europe. It’s for one of two reasons, either removing responsibility in possession – as moving internally frees up a passing lane to Barnes (who also drops to receive the ball), or it’s to utilise him in central areas when building – which actually adds a lot of responsibility. I’d suggest it’s the former, despite showing glimpses of quality in the final third, Thomas has shown frailties receiving possession in the defensive/middle third.

This combination created the best chance of the game for Leicester City, which was a fairly routine stop for goalkeeper, Ondřej Kolář. Even with “control” of the game, the Czechia side didn’t create too many substantial efforts on goal – they did manage to “out create” the Foxes in terms of xG (expected goals) with a total of 0.8 xG from all their chances, in comparison to Leicester City’s 0.4 xG.