The youthful star players of Leicester’s promising future
A promising midfield
From the U18’s, Rodgers will be encouraged by three players who should quickly progress up the development ladder. Those three are Will Alves, Zach Booth, and new signing Christopher Popov.
Popov has already scored twice for the Foxes this season, which is good for a new signing. Technically gifted and already mature in his on-pitch positioning, it would be surprising not to see a swift loan move for the attacking midfielder.
Alves and Booth have not scored or assisted this season, and though that may seem a negative on them, they remain hard-working players. Both are progressive beasts who get the ball forward, and Alves has the added benefit of being creative in his pass. I would also expect to see these two feature in the U23 side in a season or two before being loaned out.
The U23’s is where the real stars of the dev squad are located in midfield. I will note three players once again: Tawanda Maswanhise, Wanya Marcal-Madivadua, and DM Sammy Braybrooke.
There should be very little in controversy here. For the King Power side, both Maswanhise and Marcal-Madivadua have been involved in senior team training ahead of domestic cup ties, and have been integral to the U23s.
The Zimbabwean international has scored four times already this season, where the Portuguese midfielder has scored twice and joined up with the Portuguese national side for his tremendous form.
Maswanhise is the future creative core of Leicester City. Rodgers should take note and make sure to develop this bright spark as well as he can. Meanwhile, the Portuguese midfielder is progressive and dictator of tempo; he plays that Youri Tielemans role. The player must be sent on loan soon.
It is also worth noting that Maswanhise has developed into a highly versatile player, performing his creative role on the left of midfield, in a left-wing position, in attacking midfield, and as a right-winger. His best position might just be all over the pitch.
Braybrooke is a youth England international already, and has performed well as a high-octane defensive midfielder. Our Northern Irish gaffer must keep a watchful eye on Braybrooke, as Leicester should look to incorporate his energy and passion into the senior side in the future.