Leicester City have had a rough couple of months, but even over that a few players have shone. Here are the players and their stats.
Now, our February in the Premier League was not good. In fact, the Foxes only picked up just one point across the three matches played in the month. Luckily, in the European Conference League, the King Power club did beat Randers FC twice in the month.
To better illustrate how bad that month was in the PL, Understat can tell us the expected goals (xG) and those expected against (xGA) over the month. We created 3.5 in xG and conceded 3.95 in xGA, actually scoring three and conceding six.
So, how could we possibly identify any good players out of that? Well, there are a couple ways of looking for those who played best. First, we can look for the most involved defender. Then, the highest xG per 90 minutes player and the highest expected assists per 90 (xA) player.
Leicester City must sign star player
It is undoubtedly Ademola Lookman who starts this list. Despite a rough month, this young winger has played valiantly for the Foxes, scoring once and assisting twice. These numbers would not usually be good enough, but considering the circumstances we cannot complain too much.
The most crucial impact of Lookman has been his consistent challenge for a starting spot. Marc Albrighton and Harvey Barnes are perhaps the most accepted starters at the King Power. One explosive and one consistent.
However, the loanee player has performed well on both the left and right of the pitch, and has remained consistently involved throughout matches. From infield, wide, and deeper more defensive positions, Lookman has been all over the pitch.
The winger has 0.53 in xG90 over the month, and xA90 of 0.23, with the closest competitors being Albrighton – who has 0.46 xA90 – and Youri Tielemans – with 0.45 in xG90. Clearly, the player has had a role and played it well under Brendan Rodgers.
There is no doubt in my mind that Rodgers’ club must sign Ademola Lookman permanently. His natural creativity, passion, and defensive work rate make him a perfect addition to the squad.
From Ghana with love
Who else other than Daniel Amartey to be on this list as well? From injuries to being seen as backup at best, to now being our starting CB alongside Caglar Soyuncu. Truly the Ghanaian international has revitalised his career in a new position.
Passionate, strong, occasionally progressive, and clearly aware of threats in the most dire of circumstances, Amartey has developed into a fine defender. Of course, the defender has also played right back and defensive midfield, so is more used to progression than constantly passing back.
Nevertheless, whenever the centre-back has decided to get more involved, to make that risky pass, to make that dribble, the build up play becomes dangerous and more exciting. The only issue is how few and far between these key moments are. I’d love to see more from Amartey.
The Ghana defender has not scored below 6.0 in Sofascore‘s ratings, and also performed above a 7.0 in ratings on most occasions. Clearly, though the defender is not the most technically gifted, and nor did he begin his career as a CB, Amartey has been impressive and worked hard. Well deserving of a new contract even.
One of our own
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is truly inspirational. Last season, the English midfielder was on loan at Luton Town, regularly present within the Championship team of the week. From defensive resilience to creative intent, KDH has been impressive and should be recognised for it.
Despite not registering much in terms of goals or assists over the month, it would be unfair not to look at the performances the player put in whenever entrusted with a spot in the side. Of particular note were his performances off the bench.
When brought on, impetus, drive, passion, progression, and creativity were added to Leicester’s game. Starting from deep, KDH would gain the ball and get it forward quickly, while others would just make the safe pass back.
The midfielder has also cemented himself as the rotational option with Tielemans, where no other player has come close to being trusted in that role besides the Belgian international. This being said, the player’s coordination with Luke Thomas, James Maddison, and Harvey Barnes has been impressive.
He needs to play more often as the threat of the Starman leaving the King Power intensifies the closer we get to the summer transfer window. However, do you play KDH instead of Tielemans or alongside him? Let Foxes of Leicester know on our social media channels.