Pep Guardiola names the best Leicester player

Pep Guardiola was glowing about after Leicester City narrowly lost 1-0 against his Manchester City side on Saturday – praising Kasper Schmeichel’s performance.

For all intents and purposes, the Foxes didn’t play badly at all against Man City. The game saw a very encouraging first start for new-boy Jannik Vestergaard, a defensive boost in the return of Jonny Evans – the first football he has played since his early substitution in the FA Cup final – Jamie Vardy was one narrow offside against taking the lead against the Citizens.

Considering the recent drubbings the Citizens have given out, a 1-0 loss with promising aspects and no new injuries is nothing to be ashamed of.

The east Midlanders certainly made it hard for their opponents, and Pep Guardiola made full recognition of this post-match, as he singled out Leicester City’s goalkeeping stalwart Kasper Schmeichel after he made seven saves to deny Guardiola’s men from scoring more than their single goal.

What Pep Guardiola said

Speaking post-match to Sky Sports, Guardiola said:

"What can I say? The keeper [Schmeichel] is the best player of the Leicester team because we did many, many good things. You have to be patient [against them]. […] Our performance was outstanding. Leicester, like the last years, have always been fighting until the end. I’m very pleased. If you are able to score or shoot, I don’t know how many, it is because you are doing very good things. Kasper Schmeichel is an incredible keeper and saves these goals.Pep Guardiola – via the Leicester Mercury"

Leicester City’s stopper’s continued brilliance

The Spaniard is clearly a big fan of the former Manchester City academy product, and rightfully so. Leicester fans have rightfully felt that Kasper Schmeichel’s performances for the Foxes are often overlooked or undervalued by the wider media. Kasper has been Leicester’s most consistent performer for many years and has only made a handful of errors in recent seasons. In fact, when Kasper does make an error, it comes as a huge surprise.

Perhaps the big money additions of both Ederson and Allison have distracted away from the Leicester skipper who they signed from Leeds in 2011 for just £1.5 million. Or it may be the fact that Schmeichel has been at Leicester for over 10 seasons now.

Perhaps we are just used to his brilliance, but Danny Ward’s recent performances for Wales during Euro 2020 and World Cup Qualifiers have reminded fans of the competition that Kasper faces from Leicester’s second choice keeper, and how high of a level he is playing to keep Ward out of the side.

Speaking of the World Cup Qualifiers, Schmeichel hasn’t just been performing consistently well for the Foxes. He has been an ever-present for Denmark in their international set-up and his form has only gotten better in recent years for his country. Schmeichel has been a huge part in the recent Denmark resurgence: his side are now the only team with a 100% record in the qualifiers and have done this without conceding a single goal.

As he helps Leicester and Denmark develop, his admirers will only increase. He is a modern legend for the Foxes, with his incredible performances on the pitch, as well as his impeccable leadership off of it. Long may he reign. (Words by Will Kennedy)