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3 Leicester players Enzo Maresca cannot ignore vs Coventry

By Will Kennedy

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 19: Manager Enzo Maresca of Leicester City ahead of the pre-season friendly match between Leicester City and OH Leuven at the Leicester City training Complex, Seagrave on July 19, 2023 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Plumb Images/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 19: Manager Enzo Maresca of Leicester City ahead of the pre-season friendly match between Leicester City and OH Leuven at the Leicester City training Complex, Seagrave on July 19, 2023 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Plumb Images/Getty Images) /
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Leicester City
NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JULY 15: Wanya Marcal-Madivadua of Leicester City runs with the ball during the pre season friendly match between Northampton Town and Leicester City at Sixfields on July 15, 2023 in Northampton, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) /

Wanya Marcal-Madivadua

Whilst Ricardo and Ndidi are both shoe-ins for the starting XI against Coventry, Marcal-Madivadua’s presence is uncertain. Ready for his breakout season, the Portuguese youth player has enjoyed a highly promising pre-season.

Playing 18 times in the Premier League 2 last season, Marcal-Madivadua caught the eye, with many fans looking forward to him getting his chance to shine in July. He did just that, dazzling with his feet and pace on the right flank, and there’s still plenty more to come from the youngster.

On Friday, Maresca spoke to the press ahead of the season opener. When asked about his wingers, he explained:

"It’s quite clear in our idea that wingers are very important. Most of the time we allow them in situations one v one, so they need to be good in one v one. Quote via LeicestershireLive"

Currently, Leicester’s options on the wing are exceptionally limited. Marc Albrighton is a club legend, but he isn’t getting any younger and can’t be relied upon as the starting option on the right if the Foxes are to secure promotion.

New signing Stephy Mavididi has arrived to fill the gap left by Harvey Barnes, but wasn’t able to play a pre-season game for his new club, so may not be quite ready to start on Sunday. Whilst it’s clear the backroom staff need to dip back into the transfer/loan market for another winger, Marcal-Madivadua has the chance to make a name of himself and place a marker down for a starting spot this season.

Next. Ndidi’s Leicester future now clearer after Maresca decision. dark

It would be a gamble to start the 20-year-old, but he looks ready for the challenge. Could he be the answer to LCFC’s winger woes? Time will have to tell.