Foxes of Leicester
Fansided

Huddersfield 0-1 Leicester: 3 impressive Foxes

By Mike Liberatore

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Michal Helik of Huddersfield Town during the Sky Bet Championship match between Huddersfield Town and Leicester City at John Smith's Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by William Early/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Michal Helik of Huddersfield Town during the Sky Bet Championship match between Huddersfield Town and Leicester City at John Smith's Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by William Early/Getty Images) /
twitterredditfacebook
Prev
2 of 3
Next
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) /

Overall Marcal played well and displayed great awareness when receiving the ball under pressure. He drifted away from defenders with ease at times and once his close control dribbling improves he will be an especially dangerous player breaking up the pitch. I have every belief that as the season progresses the coaching staff will be working closely with him to improve his recognition of correct passing options on the break.

Donning the silver in my ratings is Leicester City’s own ‘Sideshow Bob’, Wout Faes. He seems to also be growing more in his role within this new system game by game. The Belgian center-half was dominant defensively notching eight clearances, three tackles, and dropping a cool 88% pass completion through his 90 minutes on the pitch. He also managed to come out on top in five of six ground duels and oddly again, has been seen advancing up the pitch completing 50% of his attempted dribbles.

Faes looks an assured defender in this set up, using his body well against opponents and looks cool when being harried or when stepping up toward opponents before making a pass. I noted the Belgian defender attempting a few long balls throughout the game which didn’t seem to come off. I’m sure its something the manager has identified to attempt, but it would be nice if they were completed in the future!

I truly believe had it not been for the interventions Faes made throughout the game that, at the very least, Leicester City would have had to come from behind for the second league match in succession. Huddersfield came to play and at times seemed to have the Foxes’ number, choking the build up. The centreback continued to show his game reading ability against Neil Warnock’s side, extinguishing a handful of breakouts created from a Leicester turnover.