The youthful star players of Leicester’s promising future

Forwards for the future

For forwards, the young Foxes have Kian and Terell Pennant coming through the youth ranks together. In addition, Jake Wakeling has become a consistent threat for the U23s. A good shout could also be the ever-versatile Callum Wright.

Kian Pennant has grown into a striker/forward who roams around the final third to create link-ups with other players, this is one of the reasons Popov has also performed well for the U18s. The academy product has four goals and three assists in the division.

Terell Pennant has been less lucky. Stuck slightly behind in the pecking order, this player has shown himself to be a danger whenever on the pitch. As a winger, he can latch onto through balls and take-on his man to break defensive lines. He is explosive though not yet productive.

Wakeling is just sensational. The English striker plays the Jamie Vardy role well enough. From rushing forward to drifting out wide, Wakeling excels at collecting the ball and running it forward. This allows the player to either take a shot himself or pass it to oncoming support.

The one thing many of these players – especially Wakeling – could do with is better positional and game awareness. During a game, Wakeling may not remain in his designated position, which makes any long ball over the top less effective as the striker must work harder to get onto a ball sent more centrally.

All of these star talents from the U23s and U18s could do with more gametime at a higher level and continued development into suitable roles. When these players are given their time in the sun, expect big things of them.