Leicester: How will rising Fox Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall fit into the team?

How KDH might fit into the side

Brendan Rodgers usually plays a 4-2-3-1, but due to injuries, this season has utilised a fluid 3-4-1-2 amongst others. Therefore Dewsbury-Hall is likely to occupy the left of a midfield two in a 4-2-3-1 or potentially the left central role in a 4-3-3. His time at Luton has shown he is comfortable in a variety of systems, which will be music to Rodgers’ ears, with the Northern Irishmen a big fan of tactical versatility.

Of all Leicester City midfielders, KDH is the most similar to Belgian maestro Youri Tielemans, both statistically and aesthetically. Yes, Tielemans is currently on a different level, but he will need a rest at times. Indeed, the lack of this has been exposed several times last season. Being able to give the Belgian a break without majorly destabilising the team will help ensure Youri is refreshed and able to perform at his best.

Whilst Dewsbury-Hall may not be a starter just yet, quality squad depth is crucial. With money tight due to the pandemic, KDH could help the Foxes save millions, especially if Dennis Praet decides to leave. Therefore, a player of KDH’s attacking quality will buttress Leicester City’s busy campaign, with the Foxes likely to be fighting on three fronts.

Having said this, such ambitions hinge on whether Tielemans signs a new deal. FOL and Leicester City fans are united in their desire to retain the midfielder’s services, yet negotiations appear to be delayed until after the Euros. Let us hope the starman remains in an LCFC shirt next season.

Moreover, being able to call on an academy product is also useful for Europa League registration, with clubs needing to register at least 4 club-produced players. If this cannot be fulfilled, the full complement of 25 players cannot be registered. Leicester City will meet this requirement if none of the current academy graduates departs from the club this summer (Barnes, Choudhury, KDH, Thomas).

Ultimately, KDH needs to be given a chance at the highest level to prove whether he can make the step up. Being the star player in a Championship side is impressive, but such exploits are difficult to replicate in the division above. Previous examples such as Harvey Barnes and Ben Chilwell show that some time may be necessary for KDH to get up to full speed. All the signs however point to a player who can make a positive impact, with KDH possessing courage in line with Khun Vichai’s vision that “our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them”.