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

Boubakary Soumare

Appearances – 29 / Premier League – 19 / Europe – 8 / League Cup 2

Moment to savour – An influential second-half display in Moscow in a thrilling encounter

Moment to forget – A sporadic second half of the season hampered by personal problems

Having formed an integral part of Lille’s French-title-winning team, Boubakary Soumare arrived with much hope that he could be a key midfield anchor for the foxes. His powerful physique and ability to travel with the ball looked promising. In the early part of the season, he was given plenty of game time to shine. But in a variety of roles in different formations, he struggled to impose himself on games.

‘Bouba’s’ strength on the ball and quick eye for a pass was most on display against Spartak Moscow where his creative influence created space for others to make crucial runs and passes. With more luck at home to Spartak Moscow he would have had a spectacular long-range goal for his showreel, but the woodwork didn’t want to help him out.

He has plenty in his arsenal to be an outstanding Premier league midfielder but has yet to bring his character out in City performances. But additionally, his body language shows that he isn’t happy or comfortable in the role he is playing for the club. He appears to be a player that wants to have more freedom to be involved higher up the pitch where he can influence the game.

But this won’t fit into a rigid style of play that Brendan Rodgers favours. His game time all but dried up from February with only two sporadic appearances in the Premier League to speak of. Something has clearly happened behind the scenes that we are not privy too with Brendan Rodgers merely citing personal problems. Rumours are already circulating that he may be heading out the exit door at the club.

Rating 5.5/10  – Chance of leaving 50%