Leicester’s possible starting XI with Bertrand, Soumare and Daka

With three signings set to be announced in the near future, we take a look at how Leicester City might line up with the newcomers.

Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City side were flying for the most part of two seasons, falling off in the second half of both seasons, as injuries upset the style and understanding of the players.

At least three signings are expected to be announced shortly. Patson Daka himself has already confirmed he will be joining the King Power side, whereas Boubakary Soumare and Ryan Bertrand are set to be announced soon.

A left-back most supporters will be happy with, a striker we are all excited about, and a midfielder who helped LOSC Lille win Ligue 1. That seems like a winning combination to me.

So here are my thoughts on the players, and where they will fit into the Leicester City system going into next season.

Suited to ‘BrendanBall’

All three of the new signings stylistically suit Rodgers’ Foxes system. Rodgers wants the King Power side to dominate the ball patiently, looking for opportunities to create incisive attacks in vulnerable spaces.

Patson Daka has all the pace, presence, and penetration to make himself known to defenders, as well as bringing a high-pressing expertise to the Foxes side.

Boubakary Soumare brings a composure and central progression similar to that of Youri Tielemans, while maintaining a more defensive shielding of the back line.

Meanwhile. Ryan Bertrand brings high-pressing, crossing, and an aerial presence which Leicester needs in almost any match.

However, there is a catch to this. Daka and Soumare are unlikely to be put straight into the senior first team, with players who perform their roles to a similar, if not better, standard available. Bertrand on the other hand has begun to slow down.

Possible Leicester City starting XI’s

There are two possibilities for Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester. To incorporate the players into the first team and make use of their winning mentality, or to leave them as options from the bench.

In the first, a narrow 4-1-2-1-2 formation will allow the King Power side to bring in all their signings.

At the back, Kasper Schmeichel would orchestrate a back four of Bertrand, Caglar Soyuncu, Jonny Evans, and Ricardo Pereira. The composure of Evans and Bertrand complimented by the strength and aggression of Ricky P and Soyuncu.

In midfield, a diamond of Wilfred Ndidi, Soumare, Tielemans, and James Maddison forms the possessive and creative force of this Leicester City side. By dominating midfield, progression would occur through Tielemans and Soumare in a pivot.

Up front, Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka would become wide strikers, using their pace and presence to divide up defenders, pull players out of position, and create space for either themselves or the forward running wing-backs and Maddison.

In the second, a 3-4-1-2 formation will allow Rodgers to focus on defensive solidity. Bertrand would remain in favour here, as his high-pressing and positioning are key for a wing-back. However, Daka would be removed in favour of Kelechi Iheanacho, and Soumare for Ndidi.

Both line ups are incredibly possible going forward. It all depends on whether Leicester can get James Justin or Timothy Castagne back from injury.