Get Carter’s Leicester player reviews 2021/22: Defensive midfielders

Nampalys Mendy

Appearances – 15 / Premier League – 14 / League Cup – 1 /

Moment to savour – Lifting the African Nations Cup with Senegal

Moment to forget – Frozen out of Leicester City’s squad until January

Has it really been 6 years since Nampalys Mendy joined LCFC in the hope of replacing N’golo Kante. In the 2021/22 season he made no first-team action of any note until he stepped up for Senegal to play a pivotal role in their Cup of Nations victory with some outstanding performances. Having been left out of the foxes squad entirely and then returning with an international medal in early February it would have been harsh to not consider Mendy’s hard work with a place in the squad. Brendan Rodgers duly obliged and as soon as Wilfred Ndidi was injured in the Arsenal defeat, Mendy stepped into the squad with ease.

Whilst he doesn’t possess the same physicality of Ndidi, his positional sense and passing ability is an upgrade on the Nigerian’s skillset. Mendy keeps the game ticking along smoothly but does not dwell on the ball or seem undecided in his passes. He recognised his job quickly in Ndidi’s absence applying pressure to the opposition and making himself available in a deeper-lying role and linking the play. He does however lack ambition going forward with only one shot attempted.

Mendy will not be troubling Ndidi’s place as the chief defensive midfielder any time soon, but he was a more than able deputy in his absence and seemed to understand his role when called upon. He still has one year left on his contract and could well be a key squad player if Brendan Rodgers decides to give him a place. If not, Mendy might finally decide to end his indifferent time with the club.

Rating 6.5/10 – Chance of leaving 20%