Leicester player reviews – Get Carter’s 20/21: Good Wilfred Hunting

Wilfred Ndidi – Leicester City’s midfield heartbeat once again proved his worth in 2020-2021. Read here for Damon Carter’s take on his season

Wilfred Ndidi, Leicester City statistics

Appearances total: – 36/ Premier League –26 / FA Cup – 6 / Europa League – 4  /

Goals total: – 1

Moment to savour: – A sweet volley against Chelsea

Moment to forget: – There might have been one, but he intercepted it from me before I could write it.

The reliability of the Nigerian is almost becoming too easy to take for granted. This season‘s stats speak for themselves as they do every season.

• 96 tackles in the Premier League – 4th in the leaderboard
• 61 interceptions – 8th in the leaderboard
• 54 fouls – 5th in the leaderboard

All of the above goes to demonstrate how much he is in the thick of the action of Leicester City’s midfield battles and has been for four and a half years. Fans all across the country would love to have the physical Nigerian in their ranks to bolster the midfield.

His season started as a centre back and although that started with two wins on the recurring occasions he returned to the position it was normally flat. Although he is an adequate replacement at the back, seeing him in the team but not doing the midfield defensive work throws the balance out. Bursting into tackles also comes naturally so when asked to hold his position in a backline he can struggle to keep his discipline and leave gaps as was witnessed at the end of the season against Tottenham Hotspur.

His season was slightly stop-start with only 2 games completed before December. But as soon as he returned he was a typical ever-present helping the club to maintain their march to the FA Cup but not the top 4 again, unfortunately.

Where this season has proved most successful is in the partnership in the middle of the pitch with Youri Tielemans, where they have formed the now commonplace double-pivot. Ndidi’s intelligence in this position has grown as he has learned when and where to press and how to free up space for his midfield teammate.

Nobody disputes his talent in winning the ball back. But once again his talent going forward seems to be regressing slightly. Luckily the fans in row ‘Z’ weren’t allowed to attend The King Power Stadium last season, otherwise they would have been more bruised from some of the Wilfred specials. Although a lovely half-volleyed finish at home to Chelsea was the exception to the rule.

He has pushed his assist figures up slightly with 3 of his 4 assists to best bud Kelechi Iheanacho. But if he could offer more of a threat going forward he would start to look like the complete all-round midfielder. This can be the only reason no team has tried to tempt the Leicester board with a plush transfer fee. Ndidi continues to be one of the most effective players in his position in England. Hopefully, he continues his progression and at least gives fans in lower in row letters under ‘Z’ a few scares.

Rating: 8/10

Chances of leaving: 10% (surely teams have considered trying to sign him)

The Future: Another successful season, in the top 4……maybe…..at last