Foxes of Leicester provides ratings of the Leicester City players as they gave away yet another lead to a dangerous and promising Brighton & Hove Albion.
Kasper Schmeichel – 7
To the naked eye, this was a good goalkeeping display for LCFC; with two canny punched clearances from the Dane and an excellent save at the death to preserve a point. But Kasper still has no interest in coming for crosses and easing the burden on his nervous defence. It sounds harsh, but for Danny Welbeck’s equaliser, the ball hangs in the air long enough for him to make a claim. Every cross into the Foxes box is ignored as the ‘keeper continues to hug his line like a comfort blanket.
James Justin – 7
His first start in nearly a year and a solid display…nearly. His attacks down the right were promising in the first half, leading to a chance for James Maddison. But like the rest of the team, he retreated after Leicester took the lead and ultimately wasn’t tight enough in marking Welbeck for Brighton’s goal. But as first starts after a year out go…this was impressive.
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Daniel Amartey – 8
A welcome return to the side after an early return from the AFCON. Amartey showed little sign of any jet lag as he kept the play ticking over nicely at the back; making key clearances and keeping the defence in check for most of the game. Also travelled forward with the ball in key areas. Needs a new contract.
Caglar Soyuncu – 7
The theory that ‘Cags’ only plays well when another centre back plays well alongside him, holds up. Soyuncu looked mostly solid throughout, leaving few spots for Brighton to attack. But we’re still waiting for a truly commanding individual performance.
Luke Thomas – 7
A mature display from Thomas, who held his position up against a variety of wide right attackers, firstly Joel Veltman and then even more challenging was the lightning pace of Tariq Lamptey. The key to his maturity was the confidence in which he closed down space and didn’t get dragged into position and turned. More of the same will have rumours of an England call-up a reality.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 6
We’ve grown accustomed to Dewsbury-Hall’s fantastic displays that an average display seems a bit picky. He had his usual energetic runs, but he occasionally ran the ball out of play and picked out the wrong pass. He was also guilty of not closing down Neal Maupay’s cross for Brighton’s goal. Not terrible but just not as good as we’re used to.
Youri Tielemans – 8
Another all-action display from the Belgian maestro. His bite in midfield tackles continues to impress, particularly with the absence of Wilfred Ndidi. keeping the midfield passing ticking over with quick and inventive passes (without any suicide passes like the Spurs game). A few shots to add but none that really troubled the Brighton goalkeeper.
James Maddison – 7
Maddison has turned his performances around during this season and now looks every bit the dangerous attacking midfielder. Today was a slightly muted performance with a crowded midfield making it a struggle for him to thread through many clear chances. His defensive work off the ball for this Leicester City side continues to impress.
Ademola Lookman – 6
He worked hard throughout but still struggles to make the right passes and get his head up when in key areas. Should have scored with a one-on-one in the first half. But his work rate is to be commended and his attitude when things aren’t going his way is exemplary. But like many forward players, he got deeper and deeper in the second half and became less of a threat, causing him to be subbed.
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Harvey Barnes – 6
Barnes is still struggling to find the form that terrified the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold last season. He did set up Lookman for what should have been a certain goal and was involved in a shot that led to Patson Daka’s goal but he retreated soon after to the point of non-existence and was withdrawn just after the hour.
Patson Daka -7
Daka is showing promise as he leads the line as the only available striker at the club. His chasing down of defenders is reminiscent of a certain number nine and his predatory instinct for his goal was also similar. But his effectiveness after an hour had diminished, and it was odd that he wasn’t subbed earlier than injury time. Fingers crossed it was only cramp that led to his exit.
Leicester City Substitutes
Marc Albrighton – 6
Came on to shore up the defence into a back five. But it didn’t really work and only served to invite more pressure.
Boubakary Soumare – 6
Replacing Lookman, he arrived to beef up the midfield, but with the east Midlanders dropping so deep he only seemed to act as a further defensive option with no impact on the movement forward.
Ayoze Perez – 6
Less than a couple of minutes to make an impact in injury time. The team was shattered, why wasn’t he brought on sooner?