The King Power faithful remain somewhat unpersuaded with Caleb Okoli. Yet Ben Nelson is part of the Leicester City family by now. While their burgeoning alliance in the defensive heartbeat hasn't quite achieved the rhythmic solidity of a championship-winning pulse, promise is evident.
Although Nelson has rapidly ascended to the status of a non-negotiable cornerstone in the starting XI. It is, however, worth noting that his partnership with Okoli still flickers with the uncertainty of a newly lit flame.
Nonetheless, Gary Rowett appears remarkably enamoured; his pursuit of a settled rearguard is paramount. On the immediate horizon, these two young defenders hold the keys to the Filbert Way castle.
Naturally, the eventual return of Jannik Vestergaard threatens to disturb this delicate equilibrium. Potentially rocking a boat that has only just found its level.
Why Jamaal Lascelles isn't starting or even playing after injury
But the LCFC vessel currently maintains its course despite headlines surrounding Jamaal Lascelles' return to full fitness. The following observations are no cynical swipe at the former Newcastle United captain, whose leadership qualities are undisputed, but rather a cold assessment of his tenure at St James' Park.
That was a period often marred by erratic distribution and moments of defensive frailty; albeit with metal. In the high-stakes theatre of the EFL Championship, the Foxes can ill afford the luxury of a heavy touch or the frantic, aimless hoofing that sometimes plagued Lascelles' tenure on Tyneside.
Stability is the currency of survival, and while the veteran remains a robust insurance policy, Rowett's public admiration carries the scent of diplomatic prudence. Suspicions of a deeper narrative exist.
"Generally as a centre-half, the more you build that confidence in your defensive shape then people like Ben start to keep improving his performances,” Rowett said. “You’ve seen that in the last few games, him and Caleb, to keep Jamaal out of the team.Rowett - LCFC Live
“He’s one that I’ve desperately wanted to get in the team because of his leadership qualities, but I think every time I feel I can play Jamaal, one of the other two step up and perform. I thought at Ipswich they were excellent and then were really good again (against Bristol City)."
While the manager offers media-friendly platitudes about Lascelles' professionalism, the selection speaks volumes. Rowett is prioritising technical composure over raw seniority. In the modern game, a cool head is worth far more than a loud voice when the pressure mounts in the final third.