Foxes of Leicester
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Burton 0-2 Leicester: 3 Foxes who impressed in cup win

By Mike Liberatore

BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City holds off John Brayford of Burton Albion during the Carabao Cup First Round match between Burton Albion and Leicester City at Pirelli Stadium on August 09, 2023 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City holds off John Brayford of Burton Albion during the Carabao Cup First Round match between Burton Albion and Leicester City at Pirelli Stadium on August 09, 2023 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /
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BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND – AUGUST 09: Rekeem Harper of Burton Albion runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Hamza Choudhury of Leicester City during the Carabao Cup First Round match between Burton Albion and Leicester City at Pirelli Stadium on August 09, 2023 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

Ndidi obviously had his goal, but his overall performance in this advanced number eight role was solid. He tracked back, and was involved heavily in the build up play throughout the game.

I noticed specifically in the building from the back, when Callum Doyle would receive the ball his first look was for Ndidi. Many times Doyle played him the ball and Ndidi’s pass decided if the play would progress or continue to probe. He played multiple first time passes in this area to resist the press, which Leicester did with ease all game. I think we can look forward to Wilf playing a crucial role in City‘s campaign this season.

I don’t think anyone would be able to argue with my number one stand out performer in this game. Take a bow, Kelechi Iheanacho. The “Seniorman” laid down his marker for the season, signalling his potential to challenge Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy regularly for the starting striker position. As someone who is a massive Vardy fan, it pains me to say that Iheanacho looked much more comfortable than Vardy in this ball possession system being implemented by Enzo.

We saw glimpses of his effectiveness when he was subbed on during our first league match against Coventry City. I specifically remember Iheanacho backing into Coventry defenders and holding the ball up with ease, laying off to teammates as they ran past him. It makes sense that Iheanacho would be so comfortable in this system: he came from Manchester City. This style should be something he was familiar with from his time under Man City manager Pep Guardiola.