Who’s to blame for Leicester relegation? Part 4: full backs

Victor Kristiansen – Games (14) Goals (0)

With Thomas struggling in January, Leicester City moved to sign the Danish left-back from FC Copenhagen for 17 million pounds. His first two games were a whirlwind of success with back-to-back victories against Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur. He showed a different type of play to previous left backs with a penchant for last-ditch blocks and a case of nasty gamesmanship this team has so sorely lacked.

He’s also aggressive with his teammates as well, bellowing at them to press better and have more heart – Harvey Barnes must get earache when he plays with him. Of course, Kristiansen fell foul to both injury and bad form being caught out of position and not knowing when to press or hold his position defensively. He was subbed at halftime of Dean Smith’s first game but returned a week later to set up the winning goal against Wolves. But then following a sluggish performance against Leeds United he was dropped for Thomas before his part in a disastrous defeat at Fulham.

Dean Smith clearly didn’t fancy him in the final few games, which is odd considering his influence on games this season. When he’s good he is very good for the team and has an attitude that is sorely lacking in this cowardly mentality of this squad.

Lewis Brunt – Games (2) Goals (0)

If anyone can answer why Lewis Brunt was brought on for only his second-ever Premier League appearance at the City Ground with 20 minutes to go of a game they were trailing, I’m all ears. No prizes for guessing which side of the pitch Brennan Johnson’s goal was scored from. Brunt will be 23 in November and has appeared in four professional football matches in his career.

Ryan Bertrand  of Leicester City – Games (0)

£80,000 a week for no appearances or believable reason for his absence since December 2021. Now his contract has expired he’ll obviously score the winner for his new club against City next season.