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.
Callum Doyle (7/10)
Do I need to say why Leicester’s loan player did well? Sure, so here it is: the English defender intercepted, pressed, created, progressed, and did exactly what was needed. I cannot give any higher because we did not see a goal or a crucial block, but certainly solid.
Kasey McAteer (7/10)
The academy product was lighting in the first half, offering a progressive and creative outlet. The only part of his game which could have improved would have been his final passing choice or the strength to retain the ball long enough for support to arrive. Otherwise he did well. The same could be said in the second half, and we saw more lighting movement and an increase in quality.
Harry Winks (9/10)
The best player on the pitch for the King Power side. Defending, passing, progressing, creating, absolutely brilliant and simply the performer for Maresca’s team. The English midfielder provided the main progressive outlet from defence to attacking plays.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (9/10)
KDH is one of those who can either look unplayable, or very much playable. In this fixture, the player was more of the same: great creative plays, poor passing at times, and extremely poor corners.
Now then, the second half still saw some concerning signs of passing inaccuracy, but he got there and got on the score sheet not once, but twice. Changes in the side, with McAteer, Dennis Praet, and Kelechi Iheanacho doing what they needed to do.
Wilfred Ndidi (6/10)
The Nigerian midfielder passed well, but was showing signs of not being the attacking midfielder we needed in that position. Not bad, but not what we needed.
Stephy Mavididi (8/10)
During the first half, Mavididi was unimpressive to me. Constantly lacking the confidence to face his man and win, to utilise that ingenious technical ability. That completely reversed on the opposite, after a poor start Leicester City saw much more involvement all over the pitch, and this former Arsenal and Juventus man did the job to create chances.
Jamie Vardy (5/10)
Hardly involved in the tie, the Foxes’ starting captain did not affect the match. Further to this, he did little to get involved. More of the same from the end of last campaign, and time to switch to Patson Daka or Kelechi Iheanacho as the main man upfront. Speaking of which…
Kelechi Iheanacho (7/10)
The Nigerian forward made an immense impact, holding the ball after long scathing balls cut through the defence and allowed Praet, KDH, and even Pereira to rush forward and get involved. In the final minute, Mavididi and ‘Nacho’ looked to work well together.
Dennis Praet (7/10)
A much better performance than that of Wilfred Ndidi. Penetrating runs, roaming more freely across the final third, and providing a creative outlet for Leicester City. The Belgian midfielder showed us why he should be the starting CAM alongside ‘Winksy’ and KDH. Oh, and brilliant final third passing was great to see as well.
Hamza Choudhury (6/10)
Not much to say, some good defensive actions, but only nine minutes really is not enough to judge the English midfielder on his performance. Hopefully we see more of Choudhury as the season progresses.
Enzo Maresca (7/10)
Overall, the King Power side performed admirably, dominating the ball and getting into the final third in great areas. We did not see much attacking threat until the latter quarter, and the Italian head coach could have made more changed earlier.
This being said, the changes which were made were impactful: the right choices. And, it is those substitutes who should start the next tie as Leicester look to build up some momentum for their EFL Championship campaign.