Leicester’s best formation and system under Rodgers

For the 4-1-4-1 to work, Leicester City needs a few key players to be available, mainly Wilfred Ndidi, and Harvey Barnes. For it to be optimal, Wesley Fofana would partner Jonny Evans at the back. A major negative to this system is isolating Vardy as the forward, as the wingers play closer to the central-midfielders, instead of providing support for the striker. Hence the slight adaption to the 4-2-3-1 (the second most utilised formation of Rodgers’ reign).

Of the five systems, the 4-2-3-1 is the middle of the pack. Leicester City also has a negative average with their xG and xGA, conceding better chances (1.5 xGA p/90) than they create  (1.38 xG p/90) in this formation. As a baseline, this isn’t a foundation to build upon — even with better defensive options becoming available. Instead, I see Rodgers maintaining the 3-4-1-2 structure that — as I’ve already mentioned — is the best performing system.

As good as Daniel Amartey has been as the right centre-back in a three, there’s no doubt that Wesley Fofana is an improvement on the Ghanaian. Adding additional recovery pace, ability to carry possession, positive actions both offensively/defensively and still maintains the aerial presence that Amartey brings. You could also opt for James Justin as the left centre-back over a “hit and miss” Çağlar Söyüncü, as the Englishman highlighted a proficiency to play as one of the centre-backs in a three.

The overbearing issue that Rodgers needs to figure out, is how the wingers fit into this system. Harvey Barnes and Ademola Lookman cannot feature as wing-backs, so an asymmetrical system (having a single wing-back and single winger on either side) could be a solution, but that’s very tactically intriguing and potentially difficult to implement. The talent of both individuals (specifically Barnes) is too strong to play as strictly peripheral squad players.

I’d like a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3, such as Liverpool’s system, but Vardy — as a lone striker — isn’t as adept at providing linkup for surrounding forwards — like Roberto Firmino does for Liverpool, and doesn’t have as much of a one-forward upside anymore. Therefore, the 3-4-1-2 prevails as Rodgers’ best structure — adding Fofana (and maybe Justin) into the back three, and Ndidi once fit again, would provide the Foxes with their strongest system and personnel. Which begs another question for another article, how do Harvey Barnes and Ademola Lookman reintegrate back into the first team?