Leicester wanted to sign Man United defender but he declined

Leicester City are in need of a new left-back, it seems one was in the works in the summer. Here are our thoughts on supposed interest in Luke Shaw.

The King Power club has now seen a long-term injury to fan-favourite James Justin – again – leaving the club with Timothy Castagne and Luke Thomas as senior fullbacks. However, the Foxes were supposedly in talks with Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw in the summer.

Prior to this campaign, supporters may have felt such a signing was not necessary. Yet, with Ricardo Pereira, Justin, and the unwanted Ryan Bertrand injured, having extra bodies could have been useful. Additionally, we have been saying there was a need for an out-and-out left-footed left-back for a while, and Shaw would definitely fit the bill.

Why Leicester City wanted Shaw

Beyond the obvious need to provide a strong first team left-back, there are plenty of reasons – both statistically and personnel wise – Leicester would have wanted to sign the English international. Firstly, this would have allowed Brendan Rodgers to move Justin to the right as cover for Castagne, and have Luke Thomas as cover to Shaw instead of Justin.

However, as stated, there are statistical and stylistic benefits to the marauding and experienced English defender. I will be using FB Ref for stats and SmarterScout to understand stylistic preferences.

According to FB Ref, the defender is in the 95th percentile for expected assists (xA), 89th for progressive passing, and 86th for shot creating actions. This means he ranks – as measured against the Premier League average – within the best for creating goal-scoring opportunities and what should have been goals (xA). He is statistically brilliant.

However, SmarterScout hold a different view on the basis of this recent league campaign alone. He is rated 96/100 for ground duels while in possession, 91 for aerial challenges, 89 for link-up, and 83rd for ball retention. Meanwhile, they rate his attacking outlet fairly low (45/100).

This means stylistically Shaw likes to challenge midfielders and defenders while also either keeping hold of the ball or passing it to a fellow teammate to relieve pressure or start an attacking press. Additionally, the England international is prone to challenge defensive aerial situations, although Sofascore state the defender only has a 48 per cent success rate.

So, what Shaw offers Rodgers is a progressive, retentive, balanced player whose primary benefit is the creation of opportunities for forwards. Clearly, this is what the Foxes miss when Justin is injured. On top of this, the benefit of someone more able to keep the ball is unmistakably sound.