In every summer transfer window since 2015, Leicester City have lost a major player from their squad. Damon Carter takes a look at the season of the most likely contender to keep that unwanted tradition going in 2021
Youri Tielemans, Leicester City stats:
Appearances total – 51/ Premier League – 38 / FA Cup – 6 / Europa League – 7 / EFL Cup – 0
Goals total – 9
Moment to savour – 15th May, Wembley Stadium, minute 63
Moment to forget – n/a
Every now and then players do something that you know no matter what they do in their career, will be replayed and talked about for years to come. This happened for Youri Tielemans when he wielded his right foot deliciously across the ball in the FA Cup Final in minute 63. The ball screamed into the top corner to deliver a moment that Leicester City fans will watch again and again on the big screens at The King Power
It was fitting that the goal was scored by Tielemans as he has clearly been the most consistent foxes player all season and has improved his game so much since arriving in England in 2019. Initially his fitness was a concern with his involvement being used sparingly.
Previously, Tielemans had seemed to struggle with the more physical side of the game in the Premier League where he could occasionally be bullied off the pitch. This season there have been no such concerns with him playing a part in every single Premier League game and only on the bench once due to a ridiculously quick turnaround between boxing day and bank holiday Monday. Remarkably he’s even played over a thousand more minutes than he managed last season.
He enjoys dictating the play and is always keen to take the ball in all areas of the pitch to keep the play flowing. With 2,482, he had the 5th highest amount of passes of any Premier League player. Add that to him being the third highest at completed through balls.
In front of goal he improved slightly as well, however of his nine goals, three of them were from the spot and arguably the Everton goal had a huge slice of fortune (cheers Jordan Pickford). Of course, one goal he scored, he will arguably never hit any sweeter.
What has been most impressive is how he has contributed to the defensive areas of the pitch, supporting midfield teammate Wilfred Ndidi in winning back possession. He was remarkably the 6th highest tackler in the whole of the league, still behind Wilf though.
It is clear that there is nobody else like him at Leicester City with such an influential all-round game, to replace him would be a nearly impossible task. The rumours of Liverpool’s interest have hotted up in recent weeks, particularly since the loss of Wijnaldum. The only strange part to the rumour is the constant use of a £49.5 million transfer fee. Given that Leicester forked out around £40 million for his services from Monaco and he is arguably one of the best midfielders in the Premier League right now, why would Leicester let him leave for so little profit? Leicester have held out on previous transfer fees (Harry Maguire the most obvious example), so it would be more likely to start looking towards +£70 million for Leicester to budge. With 2 years to go on his contract, it will certainly ramp up the need to tie him to a longer contract, to further protect their asset and a future transfer fee. If he doesn’t sign a contract it could force Leicester’s hand a little bit more. Likewise, if he goes on to have an amazing European Championships then Liverpool will have to put up or shut up.
But one thing is for sure, regardless of where Youri plays his football in the future, he has written himself into legendary status at the club by scoring an amazing goal to give Leicester their first ever FA Cup.
Rating: 9/10
Chance of leaving: 50% – I’m going to stick my neck out and say he will be wearing a Leicester shirt again.
Future: Greatness beckons as well as either a new contract or a big-money move. Regardless though, what an amazing football player Leicester have in Youri Tielemans.