Leicester: Unlocking the secrets to Brendan Rodgers’ new tactics

This stretching of the oppositions press, in conjunction with extra space for the initial progressive player in the build-up has really aided the Foxes – who have struggled to work the ball through congested deep-blocks. This system was also used versus Sheffield United (who operate with a deep-block in a 5-3-2 formation) and it successfully drew the midfielders out of the block and created pockets for Leicester’s midfield to occupy – or Ayoze Pérez drifting in the number 10 role. I’ve mentioned previously blueprints to beating a deep-block, but this could be another avenue to explore for Rodgers.

That’s the second point of why the new structure is effective – the triangular front three, which plays conventionally narrow as a juxtaposition to the wide formation. The emphasis on stretching the pitch enables easier passing lanes into midfield as it forces the opposition to do one of two things. Either they remain compact/narrow and allow the wide players for the Foxes to carry into advanced areas relatively unprovoked, or they press out of their block and neutralise progressions (but as a by-product create spaces). Regardless, both are beneficial to Rodgers’ side.

If Leicester City hadn’t added some of their most prolific attackers to the injury list, I’m confident they wouldn’t have turned to the 3-4-1-2. But, if the best winger options aren’t available, sacrificing them for three forwards who thrive centrally is a clever adaptation. The combinations between Pérez, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Jamie Vardy have been brilliant.

I’ve argued Pérez’s case as the number 10 for quite sometime, and he’s finally showcasing the attributes that allow him to flourish in the role – while the resurgence of Iheanacho has been wonderful (& somewhat unexpected). The Spaniard shouldn’t start ahead of a fully-fit James Maddison, but, his best position is most definitely in the pocket behind the strikers.