3 Things to know about new Leicester signing Mads Hermansen

Leicester City signed new goalkeeper Mads Hermansen for a budget price. Here is what you need to know about the Danish shot-stopper.

The King Power club were disappointed with their goalkeeper selections last campaign, primarily during the first half where they focused on the Welsh goalkeeper Danny Ward. ‘Wardy’ was unimpressive bar the occasional wonder save, but wonders are nothing if you cannot get the basics right. Meanwhile, Daniel Iversen got all the basics right, but he club were too far gone for his quality to matter.

Neither ‘keeper really illustrated the qualities which would be required under Enzo Maresca’s ‘Marescaball’ system reminiscent of both Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal sides. Dominant possession, constant rotation, and an incessant fluidity in position and role variable from possession and defensive play.

Leicester City’s new Dane

With a shot-stopper the aim, the Foxes love a Dane. This is where Mads Hermansen comes into play. Signed from Brondby in the Danish Superliga, he has all the expectations and pressure of competing with the memories of legend Kasper Schmeichel and current front-runner Iversen.

As is my usual, I like to look at style and value, however it will be interesting to look into how the player feels about his move to the King Power side as well. So, lets begin by looking at what the Danish ‘goalie’ brings to the Foxes.

Hermansen is the castling rook which prevents any sniping queens checking the king. Expert Toke Thilade analysed the Dane, exclusively for FoL and concluded that the player is a consistent, reflexive, and technically adept ‘keeper. In essence, Hermansen is a stylistic fit to how Maresca wants to set the team out.

We know that Marescaball includes a high pressing line, a positional fluid system of play in possession, and an organised press in defence with a focus on space control rather than man-marking. Hermansen is great in those one-on-one scenarios where an opposition attacker manages to breach the defensive line, usually with pace: the player’s positioning is excellent.

Furthermore, with neat and composed passing linking up with the back line, the Dane can break a press and progress the ball in one pass without risking ceding space development too much. By working so well with others to control space, Hermansen prevents most chances on goal – checks on the king. But, in those moments where the press fails, where individual quality breaks through and the king is exposed, our new Danish goalkeeper can make that final reflexive sweep and make the save.

This sounds impressive, but only improves when you consider the value. Firstly, from a purely stylistic and squad position perspective, the player offers the Foxes something they do not yet have in their arsenal. We have a high quality shot stopper – times two with Jakub Stolarczyk – and yet we are yet to add a composed distributor to our ranks. Iversen can distribute well, but does poorly under pressure, and Ward is just bad.

Financially too, Hermansen offers an intriguing proposition. At only £5m, after selling James Maddison for £40m and reportedly Harvey Barnes for £38m, wiping such a massive part of the wage bill off with expired contracts for high earners too, just £5m is absolutely budget. If the player ends up succeeding, this could be the signing of the season.

Mads Hermansen speaks out

Leicester City’s new shot-stopper spoke out after his signing, commenting on his style – luckily already covered extensively – and of course his relationship with ‘The Great Dane’ and our resident Danish goalkeeper Iversen.

"“I’m looking forward to taking the next steps with Leicester. I really like to be on the ball. I like to play and be, as much as I can, in the game. I think I’m fast on the line, reaction-wise. Hopefully I can help the team by building up also”"

It is nice for LCFC to have brought in another player – similar to Callum Doyle and Harry Winks – who takes such a pride in progressing the ball, supporting the team, and in getting involved as much in the game as possible. It has been a serious ailment in the King Power squad: a lack of real engagement and involvement.

"“[Regarding Schmeichel and Iversen] They’re very nice guys. They’re in the national team and they only have positive things to say about the Club. It’s always nice to have someone to go to. I know Victor very well as well. It’s very nice for me… I’m very, very proud to be here. It’s a big moment for me and my family.”"

Clearly Hermansen is already well familiar with the other Danish residents at Leicester and has sought out their advice before signing for the Foxes. It seems equally important to have a number of friendly faces in the squad to help the player settle in. We should see ‘Madsy’ fit in really well.