Aston Villa and Leicester City both have fabulous records of bringing through talent over the decades. In recent years, the Foxes have almost certainly bypassed the Villans in that respect. The latest LCFC Academy products have gone on to represent their countries. Not to mention featuring for some of the biggest sides around in the Premier League and elsewhere.
Nevertheless, stars such as Jack Grealish, Jacob Ramsey and Gabriel Agbonlahor emerged from the Birmingham team's youth development system. Ben Chilwell, Harvey Barnes, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are just a sample of some of the assets to come out of Leicester's organisation.
But Villa, and then the East Midlands outfit, actually both released a now proven, quality goalkeeper. In fact, the Swedish professional is even subjectively rated as the league's best goalie by some. Just who are we referring to? Is he somebody City bosses should have kept at the King Power? And what is the story exactly? We know Marti Cifuentes has a stock of competent and experienced 'keepers, so let's see.
Aston Villa Academy product Leicester City released rated league's best
With Jakub Stolarczyk the seemingly adept Foxes No.1, at least at this level, City appear content with their stoppers. Now that veteran Asmir Begovic has joined, as well as apparently similarly skilled Fran Vieites, the three senior stoppers are set in stone.
Yet one talented goalkeeper supposedly got away from the Midlands clubs: Viktor Johansson. Johansson is currently starring for Stoke City in the Championship; where he is said to be one of the most 'highly-rated' goalies about.
Johansson was at King Power Stadium for a couple of years between 2018 and 2020. He never appeared for the first team. However, the Swede did make several appearances for City's Under-21s.
"Johannson's continuous rise at Stoke City will leave Leicester City kicking themselves"FLW
Football League World now declare that LCFC will be 'kicking themselves'. I believe there is substance in that statement, although we are satisfied with what we have at present.
Though Johansson's rise from Rotherham United to Stoke is eye-catching. LCFC will, at a minimum, regret not procuring a transfer fee.