Two Leicester players may leave as they don’t fit Maresca’s style
Leicester City are in need of changes if they are to progress under Enzo Maresca. This includes the player pool, and two are under the Italian’s crosshairs.
The King Power club are in the midst of a transformational transition from the cautious and conservative approach which developed under the long-term jurisdiction of Brendan Rodgers, towards the progressive and intense understanding being imposed by Maresca. Such a transformation has inevitably altered the course of which players are purchased, but also which are sold.
I think they must be obvious to most. After all, eight players have not featured at all in the Championship squad, and two have been seen for less than ten. Most others have at least had a chance to show themselves.
Leicester City to move two on?
As per Jordan Blackwell’s Q&A we know the reason why our January signings Victor Kristiansen and Harry Souttar are within the list of those who have barely featured and could be in the crosshairs of Enzo Maresca. You see, they were Rodgers’ signings: the pair fit a system extremely well.
Souttar is a dominating, strong defender who is one of the best in a one-on-one defensive scenario and obviously impressive in his aerial attributes. As such, if you are under the cosh from opposition, there are few of better quality than the Austrialian centre-back.
The Danish fullback too has a role: the out-and-out aggressive left-back. If you have a back four, then Kristiansen is ideal for providing a progressive outlet on the left-flank while also being positionally competent enough to provide a defensive threat.
However, neither roles are as important in our Championship campaign, and nor are they suited to the stylistic musical artistically orchestrated by the renewing presence – Marescaball. A cross between Mikel Arteta’s fantastic Arsenal side and Pep Guardiola’s domineering Manchester City designs. Like clockwork off the ball, players form and penetrate space, providing outlets for ball retention and progressive intent: the hallmarks of modern football.
Souttar can throw a long ball, but is less composed under pressure for short passing. Most certainly nowhere near the heights of perhaps our best CB in recent years on that front: Caglar Soyuncu. Meanwhile, the Danish left-back cannot be a midfielder, winger, or an centre-back alone. These cogs are simply not turning at the right pace for Marescaball to tick.
Next. Leicester City injury updates: Hermansen, Coady, Kristiansen, McAteer. dark
To be honest, although I love both of them – the Australian especially – I must admit, Leicester’s new head coach is not unfounded in his justification for throwing the toys in the freezer. It might be cold, but success is the aim of the game for the King Power club. Promotion is the game. Plus, these two are not alone in their isolation.