Wycombe 1-0 Leicester: Positives from second Foxes pre-season fixture

A lot of talk has surrounded the excitement of Tawanda Maswanhise, Kamal Sowah, and Thanawat Suengchittawon — as all of the youngsters have impressed during their outings thus far. It’s always refreshing having hungry, youthful individuals prepared to beat an opponent one-vs-one and make things happen for their side. I’m doubtful any of them puncture the first-team this season, but it does highlight just how proficient the youth setup is for the Foxes.

However, a “youngster” that will play first-team football this season is Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. The conundrum for midfield composition gets just that little bit harder with the 22-year-old making an excellent case for himself. There’s an elegance to his possession, the way he carries, creates space for himself and his composure/confidence on-the-ball is that of a Premier League player.

Throughout pre-season, Dewsbury-Hall has looked a level above the quality on display and being left-footed does mean he offers differences for passing lanes in the centre. I’m unsure as to which spot he’d take, or even how they’d find space for another central-midfielder, but he’s definitely going to be involved in some capacity this season.

Outside of these, there’s a couple of talking points; Wesley Fofana and Çağlar Söyüncü being the “starting” centre-backs — but without Jonny Evans’ availability that isn’t groundbreaking. Rachid Ghezzal continuing his Besiktas form, potentially solving the left-footed right-winger problem — although I think most would anticipate a signing in this position. Lastly, the future of Marc Albrighton, who was given the captains armband for his second-half stint. Hopefully, he remains with the Foxes as his profile is unparalleled by any other player in the squad, as well as always offering a solid 7/8 out of 10 every week. He’s not the most glamorous, but he’s effective at what he does.

Next time out it’s Queen’s Park Rangers for Leicester. It’s another chance for sharpness and fitness. So far, Brendan Rodgers’ XI’s (for the two halves in both games) haven’t made a great deal of sense compositionally — if that is sorted, perhaps the Foxes will create with more conviction and score their first of the season. Again, goals and results don’t matter, hence why Rodgers has chosen the XI’s he has, but if he wanted too, he could pick one “strong” XI and a weaker one — which would ultimately provide goals.