Leicester: Report says left-back signing imminent for Foxes
Leicester City are in pole position for the signing of free-agent Ryan Bertrand. The experienced left-back is in high demand, here is what you need to know.
Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City stumbled in the final half of last season, with injuries all over the pitch disrupting the rhythm and forcing tactical changes. Once such injury was the loss of James Justin – the impressively versatile fullback.
Neither Timonthy Castagne or Ricardo Pereira performed well enough on the left, forcing the inexperienced but equally potent Luke Thomas to become first choice. The East Midlands outfit need reinforcements for this position.
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Leicester City: winners and experience
From the almost confirmed signings of Patson Daka and Boubakary Soumare, the one element which is common to them is that they are winners and already perform very well in their positions they have played in for some time.
That is why Leicester are reportedly very close to signing Ryan Bertrand. Though he has struggled to win much at Southampton, he was a winner with Chelsea, and has plenty of experience in the Premier League.
Bertrand has played over 250 games of football over his career thus far, and at 31-years-old, he has plenty of more playing time in him.
In fact, it is perhaps the value of this free transfer which is most eye catching. Rodgers gets that experienced, natural left-back which he needs to immediately enter the first team.
It is also his stylistic qualities which shall suit the King Power. Using SmarterScout analytics, I can comfortably report that Bertrand will provide a high-pressing, teamworking, and aerially sound left-back, who also possesses a strong tackle.
The future Fox (hopefully) does not put in the most tackles, but more tackles does not necessarily mean those tackles or duels are disruptive or productive.
The composure he has out of possession helps Southampton to maintain a high defensive line, limiting opposition opportunities within central and deep half spaces.
How Leicester might line-up
With the signings we now believe are either confirmed or near confirmation, here is how the Foxes squad might shape up as Brendan Rodgers integrates new talent.
GKs: Kasper Schmeichel and Danny Ward.
CBs: Caglar Soyuncu, Wesley Fofana, Jonny Evans, Daniel Amartey, and Josh Knight.
Fullbacks: Castagne, Ricky P, Justin, Bertrand, and Thomas.
DMs: Papy Mendy, Hamza Choudhury, and Wilfred Ndidi.
CM/AM: Youri Tielemans, James Maddison, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Soumare, Dennis Praet, and Ayoze Perez.
Wingers: Harvey Barnes, Kamal Sowah, and Marc Albrighton.
STs: Jamie Vardy, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Patson Daka.
That collective is perhaps an AM, CB, and a winger away from being considered great. Rodgers’ Foxes will have plenty of reinforcements in key positions, and Bertrand plays a massive role in that.
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Supporters will have to wait until the 30th of June when his contract expires to see if the left-back will be joining the King Power side.