Everton 1-1 Leicester: Three positives after more dropped points

Schmeichel’s qualities in possession created chances

If you scowl the internet for discussions surrounding City, a prominent contention point is Kasper Schmeichel. Is the 35-year-old nearing the end of his stay in the East Midlands, an excellent shot-stopper, although a few metrics point towards his demise. Most notably, his lack of six-yard-box control, incapable of dictating crosses that arrive in this area, and being a major fault in the Foxes’ issues from set-pieces.

However, for what he lacks in physical dominance, Schmeichel makes up for in other areas. As previously stated, his shot-stopping ability has single-handedly kept Rodgers’ side in fixtures this season, and versus Everton, his quality on the ball was crucial to the game plan. There was a slightly different look to the backline, as both Wesley Fofana and Jonny Evans (the two CBs) sat in wide positions when Schmeichel held possession, this was to create more efficient passing lanes to build attacks.

In doing so, Schmeichel had to dictate all of the possession centrally when the ball was in depth. He was effective at doing this, capable of receiving the ball from either centre-back and always recycling possession across the defensive line. His positioning had a direct impact on the full-backs.