Despite Leicester boss’s comments, two stars are competing for a spot

Leicester City manager has recently claimed both right backs will get plenty of game time. Despite this, the two are competing; this is how they compare.

Being in charge of this King Power side is not easy. Brendan Rodgers is forced to choose between brilliant talents and players who bring different aspects to the game.

This issue is quite apparent in three positions: striker, central midfield, and right back. In this article, we are focusing on the battle between Timothy Castagne and Ricardo Pereira for a place in the squad.

Both are brilliant attacking talents. Both are – in defence – positionally astute and competent in their challenges. Not much seems to separate the players. Those similarities are only superficial though. The two defenders offer wildly different benefits to the side, and these should be explored.

Firstly, let’s see what the boss has to say about the pair, then we will use stats to compare the two and pick our starter.

Leicester City boss on the fence

Rodgers has commented on this situation:

"“It’s not so much a battle… We need to be as intense and as fresh as we can be in the game. Sometimes that will mean them playing, or maybe having a game out”Brendan Rodgers, via LeicestershireLive"

In his remarks, it is about fitness and physicality. When the Foxes play, we need to have the most fit and best player possible featuring in the starting XI to impact the game early on.

This attitude of rotation seems logical: by constantly changing between them, you keep them both fit and sharp at the same time and neither can really complain about game time.

However, this is also a neutral position which has little nuance. For example, who would Rodgers see as the best player to play against Manchester City or Norwich City?

It could be the same player or completely different dependent upon tactics. Let us explore what each player offers the East Midlands outfit.

Pereira v Castagne

Using SmarterScout we can identify individual stylistic preferences and what style of play they suit. Keep in mind that Rodgers likes balanced players who can offer something going forward and be committed when defending.

During his second season with the Foxes – the last before COVID-19 and injury decimated his playtime – Ricky P was considered the most balanced right back in the premier league.

He was awarded a 99 out of 100 in disruptive tendencies, 95 for dribbling the ball up the wing, 93 for defensive output, 87 for attacking output, and 65 for receiving the ball in the opposition box.

Stylistically, he would destroy opposition attacks and start our attacks, he would even push to finish the attacks himself.

Castagne on the other hand is completely different. Only on his tendency to make aerial challenges (79/100) and receiving in the box (72) is Castagne marked higher.

However, our Belgian star did not simply play right back. He performed as a centre-back, a right wing-back, a left back, and a left wing-back. In this, his positional versatility across both flanks far outdoes Ricky P’s.

Our Portuguese star is returning to form, and when he gets there, it will be difficult for the 25-year-old defender to unseat him. Pereira will play more often than not unless injured. Castagne may be considered the rotational player, or the gaffer may choose to use them both in the same XI.

Consider this, three at the back with Castagne on the right for pace and Pereira as the RWB; truly this would be a brilliant way to get both players into the same XI. Or perhaps push the Portuguese talent up the flank into the winger position and play the Belgian behind.