Foxes of Leicester assess the performances of the Leicester City players from another win, along with a clean sheet for Brendan Rodgers side.
Playing a Leeds team with a potential ‘new manager bounce’ was never going to be an an easy task. However, LCFC weathered the storm with another impressive win and clean sheet. Here’s how the players fared:
Leicester City’s Kasper Schmeichel – 8
One of the more complete displays from Leicester’s Great Dane. Today we were treated to early distribution, claims on crosses, strong saves and good judgement between short and long passes. With high pressure from Leeds United, we needed our goalkeeper on top form and he was.
Marc Albrighton – 7
‘Sharkey’ had to fill in at both wing-back and full back during the 90 minutes, with varied results. He didn’t shirk a pass but was guilty of giving the ball away at various points. But this didn’t deter him from moving forward with the ball and putting in key crosses.
Hamza Choudhury – 7
Continuing in his ‘Javier Mascherano role’ as a centre-back in a three-man defence, Choudhury offered much-needed pace against a quick-to-break Yorkshire team and was no-nonsense in his defensive style making key clearances. Positionally he still got caught with his speed rescuing him, but he took too long to make some passes which might be why he was subbed.
Caglar Soyuncu – 8
Has a corner been turned for the much-maligned Leicester defender? Soyuncu added this powerful and assured display to the one against Burnley in the week. Soyuncu was commanding in the air, made strong tackles, and even added the cool inside-turn to his repertoire. This was arguably his best game in over a year.
Daniel Amartey – 8
Amartey continues to produce solid displays at the back and although the statistics will tell you that the Peacocks had plenty of shots on goal, he helped restrict them to speculative long-range efforts. Amartey was solid and continues to be a more than capable centre-back.
Luke Thomas – 8
Thomas ensured his pressing wasn’t limited and that as a wing-back he wasn’t too heavily pressed back. He patrolled his position excellently and offered support to Harvey Barnes down the wing. He ensured he snapped into challenges and allowed little room behind to exploit.
Wilfred Ndidi – 7
A quiet game all things considered for the Nigerian who is having an off-season. He still won some decent challenges but didn’t impose himself on the game enough. Rightly yellow-carded, and subsequently substituted in the second half.
Youri Tielemans – 7
Average performances are becoming more regular for Tielemans. On this occasion nothing was particularly upsetting but just a bit meh! Made some decent tackles and the odd nice pass but nothing spectacular.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 9
With every game that passes, the Shepshed boy grows in confidence and reputation. His skill set was in full flow via pressing runs, quick passes, protecting the ball and winning it, too. One particular old-fashioned slide tackle brought the King Power faithful to its feet. He was the only one throwing himself into challenges.
Harvey Barnes – 7
If not for the winning goal the score would be lower, with Barnes producing a baffling display. He had the measure of the Leeds full backs and when clattered in the first half he seemed to shrink. His chasing back highlighted his lacking fitness; not to mention his positioning seemingly disjointed. Yet, of course, the winning goal was a bit of brilliance that won three points for the Foxes. That’s why he’s on the pitch.
Jamie Vardy – 7
First start in months for the talisman after his supersub role at Burnley. His first half work showed promise by winning some key balls over the top and causing an over-zealous Pascal Struijk to be booked early on. Faded after 30 minutes and rightly subbed on the hour mark.
Substitutes
Kelechi Iheanacho – 6
Given plenty of time to impress, he was unable to make an impression.
Ademola Lookman – 6
Kept overplaying the ball and winning it back. Always promising and dangerous – though equally frustrating.
Nampalys Mendy – 7
Given a raucous reception when he arrived in place of Wilfred Ndidi, Mendy’s performance was typically solid and steady. Something that has been lacking in the closing ten minutes of most home games this season.