Ndidi and Tielemans: the Yin and Yang of Leicester’s midfield

How do they compare to other EPL midfielders?

Leicester’s midfield duo is up there with the very best in the league, and is probably better than several top-six sides, including Man United’s ‘McFred’ to name but one example.

It is difficult to name many other teams that possess the midfield quality Rodgers can call on, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool being potential candidates. This statement alone is ludicrous considering that just 10 years ago, Leicester’s midfield consisted of players such as Richie Wellens and Matt Oakley. This is by no means disrespecting former LCFC stalwarts, who were excellent in their time at the club. Even so, they pale in comparison to Leicester’s current crop.

How will Soumaré fit into this midfield?

The future looks bright for Leicester, with the potential addition of Boubakary Soumaré to the midfield. As a player who has been compared to Yaya Toure and Paul Pogba, he is not an out-and-out defensive midfielder, but more of a deep-lying playmaker who is excellent at carrying the ball, and likes to operate in the middle third of the pitch.

His arrival could provide Rodgers with the luxury of resting the indefatigable Tielemans (who has only missed two games this season) or experimenting with a two/three-man midfield.

At the cost of €25m, due to the effects of the financial crisis at Lille and Soumaré’s expiring contract, such a deal seems like a potential bargain and represents another coup for the recruitment team. However, the exit of Hamza Choudhury seems ever more likely, who would be set to fall further down the pecking order.

The pessimist will say that arrival of this young Frenchman is merely preparation for the inevitable departure of either Ndidi or Tielemans. Consistent quality, after all, attracts unwanted interest. However, whilst one day bigger fish may come, it can be guaranteed that LCFC will not part with either for anything other than a princely fee, and an adequate replacement will nearly always be signed.

Even so, Leicester City’s ability to sign players ahead of interested ‘bigger’ clubs such as Spurs and Manchester United, shows how far the Foxes have progressed in recent years. Such early action in the transfer market is an indication the Foxes mean business, and bodes for exciting times ahead!