Foxes youngster Kirsten Otchere and Leicester City hopeful Nathan Opoku’s respective goals earned Russell Martin's men his second successive preseason win. The East Midlands outfit were in the South West of England for another practice match, this time against English Football League 2 outfit Bristol Rovers.
This was the second occasion that the Leicestershire team faced even lower-league opposition than themselves. However, as these practice matches progress, the level of opposition quality will steadily increase, with Burton Albion, Cadiz, Malaga and Genoa on the horizon once the LE2 group return from their Spanish camp.
Versus the Gas, Martin deployed two separate starting lineups; mirroring the approach taken during the 3-0 win over Northampton Town. The first XI comprised Vieites, Joseph, Gray, Faes, Wilson-Brown, Carr, Choudhury, Page, Alves, Mavididi and Otchere.
The second XI to feature during the uncompetitive clash, which spanned four thirty-minute quarters, consisted of Stolarczyk, Aluko, Okoli, Nelson, Thomas, Coulibaly, Braybrooke, Skipp, Neale, Hutchinson and Opoku. Even without strikers that the faithful might recognise as established senior professionals, both fielded centre forwards managed to find the net; how 'very Leicester' is that fact?!
Leicester City player ratings vs Bristol Rovers
But which other Foxes were considered outstanding on the day after both aforementioned attackers received favourable reviews? First of all, one City blog claim they predicted that Will Alves and Louis Page might be quiet at the Memorial Stadium.
Post-game, the assessment remained that both players struggled to influence the proceedings as significantly as they had previously. It is worth noting, though, that Page operated in a deeper midfield role; he is arguably better suited to a more advanced position.
Hopefully Alves can find consistency, as he certainly possesses the requisite quality to be particularly impactful during the upcoming campaign. Sammy Braybrooke, Bade Aluko, Ben Nelson and Woyo Coulibaly were cited as the most impressive performers during the latter hour.
"Vieites 6, Joseph 5, Gray 6, Faes 6, Wilson-Brown 5, Page 5, Alves 5, Otchere 7, Mavididi 6, Carr 6, Choudhury 5, Subs: Stolarczyk 7, Aluko 7, Okoli 5, Nelson 7, Thomas 6, Coulibaly 6, Skipp 6, Braybrooke 7, Neale 6, Opoku 6, Hutchinson 6"filbertway.com
Braybrooke, in particular, was arguably the Player of the Match for his dominance, creative influence and pivotal role in general. Meanwhile, local media suggested that while Wout Faes was a surprise choice as captain, yet the Belgian international performed with composure.
Kevon Gray also earned positive appraisals for his defensive contributions. Luke Thomas and Oliver Skipp were similarly commended for their industry and steady presence.
"Sammy BraybrookeLCFC Live
City's best player by some distance. Moved freely with the ball, shrugged off so many challenges in the middle of the park and got into the final third. Combined well with Skipp an my Neale."
Conversely, Caleb Okoli was noted for a few errors, suggesting that there is still room for refinement as the squad builds fitness. Ultimately, this was a valuable exercise in testing depth and tactical flexibility.
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