Man City starlet Callum Doyle talks joining Leicester

Leicester City loan signing Callum Doyle has commented on his move to the Foxes from Manchester City. Here is what he said and our thoughts on it.

Joining the King Power club, Doyle joins his former head coach at the ‘Citizens’ youth squad – Enzo Maresca – in trying to bring the East Midlands club back into the Premier League first time of asking.

Callum Doyle on Leicester City’s coach

The English centre-back has spoken highly of his associate Maresca, and it would seem the player is happy to be joining back up with the Italian. Of these comments, I picked up on this bit:

"“I’ve worked with Enzo before and we won the Under-23s Premier League title with him. That was a very good season for me… I’m excited to get going”"

Doyle clearly rates the head coach. During Maresca’s first chance as a manager, Pep Guardiola had the coach in charge of the Man City youth squad. During that campaign, they won their first title and developed a dominating and progressive style of play.

The starlet CB developed very well during the season, playing as a regular for the Italian head coach, and this would see the player achieve his first loan move as just a 17-year-old. The now 19-year-old has performed well on loans, so to develop further under Maresca is an exciting prospect to take his career to the next level.

"“He’s very on it as a manager. He’s obviously very tactically proven. His player management is unbelievable as well”"

High praises once more. Leicester supporters have equally seen the same from the boss during the public friendly against Northampton Town. Tactically, the team excelled in a more Manchester-like style, where fullbacks were versatile and fluid, and our LCB Doyle was utilised heavily going forward.

Comments on himself

Callum Doyle was also asked about his own ambitions and what he brought to the side. Once again, the Northampton fixture offered us a glimpse at what was meant in practice by the starlet.

"“I’m comfortable on the ball… I like to make things happen, bring the ball from the ‘keeper, get the midfield involved and hopefully create some chances. I think it’s important in the modern game to get on the ball, move it”"

A progressive centre-back is what we have truly lacked since the departure of the now ACL-injured Wesley Fofana. A player who can take the ball, rush forward, and get more players involved. This is exactly how the Englishman was used by Maresca, and we can expect this tactical understanding of the player to develop as the season progresses.

This particular permutation of a defender is also useful in providing an option where there otherwise may just have been strong-willed attack disruptors who offer little outside of positioning and defensive acumen. His opposite is Connor Coady who offers little going forward – outside of attacking set pieces – but is a tank at the back. As the player initially developed under Maresca, we can expect other players to be given the same understanding.

"“I’m hoping to win promotion. That’s what’s on everyone’s mind right now, obviously to get the club where it belongs. This season, with the squad that we have, I think we’ll do really well”"

The ambition Leicester City, its head coach, and all of its players are having drilled into their heads: promotion, first time of asking. The point is that the Foxes belong in the English Premier League, not in the EFL Championship. As such, with the sales and signings, a refresh should create a strong squad. Doyle seems to believe this is already a strong squad.

I would agree with his assessment. The few signings we already have made their impact in the Northampton tie and we could see how their roles and impacts will be felt in different areas of the pitch. Plus, we have obviously high quality players such as Ricardo Pereira still in the side. With such a promising talent in toe, an ambitious and clearly tactically rounded coach in charge, the Foxes should get back to where they belong.