Leicester 2-1 Coventry: Player ratings from M69 derby
![LEICESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of Leicester City celebrates scoring their first goal of the match during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leicester City and Coventry City at The King Power Stadium on August 06, 2023 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images) LEICESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of Leicester City celebrates scoring their first goal of the match during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leicester City and Coventry City at The King Power Stadium on August 06, 2023 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/7ce739b847f0060e852d0d92be7904270f9c5b60b5507197d4052ff0a0fdfc83.jpg)
Leicester City triumphed in an edgy fixture against Coventry City as Enzo Maresca makes his Foxes debut and gave four their debut. Here are the player ratings.
Mads Hermansen (8/10)
During the first half, the Danish goalkeeper looked impressively confident with the ball at his feet. Of course Hermansen was barely challenged during the half, only having to make one real safe and a couple clearances as Leicester dominated the ball.
Often, we would see the goalkeeper making a throw, short pass, or a fast long ball to the wing-backs, offering a point of retention for possession, and the kickstart for progression up the pitch. A very good first viewing.
Ricardo Pereira (7/10)
The Portuguese international was as good as ever: a ‘Rocketman’ who moved into defensive midfield to work closely with Harry Winks to retain, recycle, and progress the ball. A crucial role which was well used throughout.
After Hamza Choudhury came on, Pereira did move out to the right where Kasey McAteer was inhabiting. We saw less of the player, but certainly maintained his position as one of our best players: plus, there are few more loyal to remain with us after so much time injured and a relegation.
Wout Faes (7/10)
The Belgian defender looked confident, if occasionally making mistakes. During the initial stages, we saw quick runs to intercept and disrupt attacking plays, as well as impressive runs towards the box in the latter stages of the first half. The Foxes benefited with a few chances, although nothing decisive initially.
The second half saw more of the same from Faes, quickly getting to the player, challenging, sometimes making mistakes which gave away chances, but little of negative impact. Impressive and certainly the starter.
Jannik Vestergaard (7/10)
Considering the Danish centre-back was initially believed to be poor, this was a great outing for him. The towering defender was excellent in the first half, with good interceptions, clearances, and an impressive array of passing displayed. Passing is perhaps the element of the players game we did not see last season.
Well, not much I can say bad against Vestergaard: he got a fair yellow card, but showed quality we have not seen at all in his entire time here. The impact Maresca can have on players was on show here.