Jamie Vardy broke his six month goal drought to hand Leicester City a vital point in their 1-1 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road. The centre forward equalised in the latter stages of the contest after Luis Sinisterra’s first half header. Here are the Foxes of Leicester player ratings.
Leicester City starting XI:
Daniel Iversen: 8
Absolutely vital saves at the end of the contest to keep the score tied, two brilliant stops like in Saturdays win against Wolves could be crucial in keeping City in the Premier league. Couldn’t really have done much better for the goal he did concede either. A performance LCFC’s former Danish number one would have been proud of.
Timothy Castagne: 6
A fairly quiet night for the Belgian on the right-hand-side most likely due to Leeds’ heavy favour to attacking Kristiansen and Soyuncu’s side of the pitch as it gave them a lot of joy. It was extremely reliable display, very Castagne-esque you could say.
Wout Faes: 7
His progressive ball carrying in the second half was exceptional, breaking the lines when the rest of the team looked like they had run out of ideas. Excellent in his aerial duels as well as his ground duels. An extremely competent performance.
Caglar Soyuncu: 6
Another example of what Brendan Rodgers was missing in his back line not having Soyuncu in it. His aggressive tendencies as well as his athleticism makes him an brilliant partner for Faes. He did on occasion get isolated and then rolled by Patrick Bamford but the Turkish international made some key interceptions and tackles throughout the tie. With the news breaking today that he will leave for Atletico Madrid in the summer, he showed again why he will be sorely missed by the East Midland club.
Victor Kristiansen: 2
An extremely poor showing for the 20-year-old. Completely turned inside out by Jack Harrison on multiple occasions including the first goal. His lack of willingness to play any pass with an ounce of difficulty continuously put the Foxes in difficult situations. Especially when attempting to beat the Leeds press. One to forget for the Dane.
Boubakary Soumare: 7
Like most of the side after conceding the goal Soumare seemed to be overwhelmed by the engulfing Elland Road atmosphere. Before going behind the Frenchman dominated his duels and was dictating the tempo along with Youri Tielemans. However, once going behind his on-the-ball work seemed to be much more rushed and less composed. Numerous times the holding midfielder would play back into dangerous areas when the better option would have been to open up his body and spread the play. He did improve and showed some great feats of strength and defensive fortitude in the second period. Not by any means a bad performance, but there were some areas of concern.
Youri Tielemans: 6
Extremely unfortunate to have seen his early wonder strike disallowed it was a very up and down game for LCFC’s captain. Like for his goal there were moments of immense quality but they were coupled with lethargic tackles and misplaced passes. You couldn’t question his effort but his end product in the final third when trying to break down the oppositions deep block was much to be desired.
James Maddison: 8
With the not being particularly impactful in the first period like the rest of the side “Madders” turned a corner in the second. He looked unplayable when he got the ball in the right areas, his run before he assisted Vardy’s equaliser was exceptional something that will unlikely go unnoticed. More than likely should of also had a second if Patson Daka had opted to shoot and not square the ball too an offside Vardy. However, Leicester’s number 10 really stepped up when his side needed it most and ensured a point for his side.
Tete: 3
It seems as though his man of the match performance against Aston Villa in his debut was an aberration. His direct technical style of play has not been seen since. The Brazilian seemed too afraid to attempt any take-ons. Which on multiple occasions resulted in the winger turning and moving the ball back out of dangerous areas, time and time again. Completely ineffective.
Harvey Barnes: 4
Had one of the better chances in the second half but could not find the top corner with his effort. It just didn’t seem to be the winger’s night. Although this may have something to do with the inefficient performance by Kristiansen, as Barnes has struggled much of the season without a competent full back on the outside or inside of him. He had little to no opportunities to show his quality, not his most impactful night.
Kelechi Iheanacho: 5
Played an excellent part in the goal even despite seemingly pulling his groin in the process. His play throughout the contest was good a times, not his most efficient display partly due to his lack of service. But much like the rest of the City side inconsistent until in his end product.
Substitute’s:
Jamie Vardy: 7
Without a shadow of a doubt the most impactful and quality filled display that we’ve seen from the number nine this season. Wonderfully taken goal, as well as brilliantly dangerous movement from the moment he stepped onto the pitch he gave the home sides defence all sorts of issues and continuously forced them to turn and face their own goal. Something that all defenders hate to do.
You could argue that he shouldn’t have been offside for the goal, but I think that would be extremely harsh, as the most dangerous the Foxes looked all game was when Vardy stepped onto the pitch. Hopefully this will be just the start of Vardy’s goal scoring form as the Foxes enter the last five games of the season.
Patson Daka: 6
Provided what Barnes could not and stretched the Leeds defence on numerous occasions, he could of shown more composure at times during the later stages. He also probably should of taken the shot on when going clean through in the latter stages, instead of opting to square the ball to Vardy who was unfortunately in an offside position. It would have most likely given Leicester all three points. Perhaps a more confident Daka would have, nonetheless a good showing off the bench.
Dennis Praet: 5
Coming on for the injured Iheanacho with little time left in the game even with City pushing for the winner Praet didn’t have much of an effect on the outcome. Thus a five is given.