Wilfred Ndidi
The exit Wilfred Ndidi loomed heavily over the King Power. How can you replace a well-liked player who had something to offer. Now at Beşiktaş, the Nigerian midfield general finds himself the subject of a sophisticated transfer overture from Manchester United.
"Manchester United are ‘following’ Besiktas midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and they could include goalkeeper Altay Bayindir in a potential ‘swap deal’"Manchester World
Reports suggest a strategic swap deal is in the offing, one that would see Turkish-based team facilitate Ndidi's turn to the Premier League in exchange for the services of Altay Bayindir. For a Leicester City side currently embroiled in a grueling battle for EFL Championship survival, the scenario is a 'caviar wish'.
The loss of such a foundational figure to replace wasn't easy for the East Midlanders. Yet Jason Wilcox targeting Ndidi (a former Fox himself too) adds another layer of irony to an already fraught campaign.
Leicester City tension
Atmospheric LCFC tension was also noticeable at Vicarage Road at the weekend. Gary Rowett was left to rue a combative but toothless display against Watford.
Despite a performance that dictated much of the tempo, the Foxes were haunted by a familiar ghost: the absence of a 'killer instinct'. Rowett's frustration was centered on a first half penalty that went begging, a moment that could have altered the look of their season.
"You feel a little bit powerless out there at times"ROWETT - PA Media
The manager's exasperation was compounded by officiating decisions he deemed inconsistent. Though he was candid in his assessment that tactical superiority is a hollow victory without the capacity required to dismantle an opponent.
Patson Daka
Patson Daka, the man unnecessarily tasked with the responsibility from twelve yards, remains the focal point of this offensive malaise. Rowett admitted that the Zambian will he suffering mentally. However, the gaffer won't allow his men to engage in the habit of "finger-pointing".
"GR: “He’s [Daka] going to be disappointed. I said it to the lads in there: ‘Any one of you can miss a penalty.’ It is what it is. We’re frustrated, we’re disappointed, but there’s no finger-pointing, there’s no blame"LCFC Live
Nonetheless, the subtext was clear. Daka's missed spot-kick and a subsequent wayward opportunity underscore a confidence crisis. The mandate for his teammates is now one of collective elevation: they must provide the service and emotional scaffolding to restore his conviction.