UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
Leicester City’s push for an unprecedented Champions League spot ended in sour failure after their last day 2-0 defeat to Manchester United. A defeat which will have dug deep into Brendan Rodgers’ wounds seeing as Leicester City sat comfortably in the top 4 before the Premier League season resumed post-lockdown.
A dramatic downturn in their form, mentality and work-ethic after the season resumed put a downer on what’s been their best season since they miraculously lifted the Premier League title in 2015. Despite their struggles post-lockdown Brendan Rodgers can boast of his squad’s success and development as a whole this season.
Considering the financial impact of coronavirus on transfer budgets, it will be difficult for Leicester to acquire the players they need. However, that won’t stop Brendan Rodgers from having his fair share of targets, and the team does indeed have the quality to compete again next season.
So where does the former Liverpool and Celtic boss need reinforcements? They are reportedly looking at another centre-back, left-back if Ben Chilwell departs, defensive midfielder, winger, creative central midfielder as a backup for James Maddison and a long-term replacement for Jamie Vardy. With their financial constraints, it certainly won’t be easy for Rodgers to acquire all of his targets, but who could he be looking at to strengthen his squad for the aforementioned areas?
Centre-Back
Contents
Evan N’Dicka – Eintracht Frankfurt
Evan N’Dicka may be a relative unknown, but in fact he’s emerged as one of the brightest young defenders in the Bundesliga because of his fantastic performances for Eintracht Frankfurt.
N’Dicka, a 20-year-old, French youth international, has proven to be a versatile component for Frankfurt this season, lining up at left-back and a left-sided centre-back in a back three.
Standing at 6ft 4in, N’Dicka holds the physical attributes to have an upper-hand aerially harmonized with his ball playing abilities capable of breaking attacks and starting transitions. His pace, bravery and natural fitness could be a perfect fit in the Premier League.
Ndicka is also very good with the ball at his feet, which makes him assured in possession, averaging 43.1 passes per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga and completing 81% of his total passes. His towering presence and languid build helps him in the air, winning 59.5% of his aerial duels and is also competitive in his ground duels winning 1.10 tackles per 90 and 1.62 interceptions. N’Dicka’s physical qualities make him a perfect fit for the Premier League.
Ben Godfrey – Norwich City
A few may question this option because of Norwich’s struggles this year, but Ben Godfrey has emerged from those ashes and established himself as one of Norwich’s top prospects from centre-back.
Certainly, Norwich’s defence wasn’t good enough throughout the campaign, but that can be largely put down to the lack of Premier League experience and Godfrey is apart of that fact. However, the young Englishman will be better for the experience and is certainly ready to take another crack at the English top-flight.
Leicester City may arguably be the perfect club for Godfrey to continue his development. He will be amongst top-drawer defenders such as Çağlar Söyüncü, Wes Morgan and Jonny Evans, which will only enhance his own abilities. Strong, quick, agile and a leader at the back. Ben Godfrey could provide the perfect tonic to drive them forward.
Kristoffer Ajer – Celtic
Kristoffer Ajer has been a standout performer from centre-back for Celtic ever since his arrival in 2016, winning everything there is to win in Scotland. It won’t be a complete surprise to see Rodgers come back in for him this summer.
The Norwegian international is certainly good enough to make the step-up. A fantastic domineering presence at the back, standing at 6ft 6in, Ajer holds such remarkable strength, physique, leadership and positional understanding to thrive instantly in the Premier League. He’s a fantastic outlet in possession too, regularly stepping out of his defensive line to orchestrate play from deep and keep things ticking over.
Ajer’s tall frame would be a fantastic element for Leicester City, not just at the back but from set-piece situations also. He’s scored his fair share of Celtic goals when needed, scoring 4 times during the 2019/20 campaign. The 22-year-old is certainly more than ready to test himself at the highest level, and with a manager who knows him well in Brendan Rodgers, it would be a perfect match once again.
Potential replacement for Ben Chilwell?
Although left-back may not be a priority position for Leicester due to the emergence of Luke Thomas, Ben Chilwell is still reportedly attracting a lot of interest and Rodgers will need to plan for the worst-case scenario if Chilwell does leave with Chelsea keen to secure his services.
So here’s a couple of young, vibrant and potential low-cost options that Rodgers could recruit:
Rayan Aït-Nouri – Angers SCO
Yet another unknown quantity to most fans, but could represent an exciting addition for years ahead. Rayan Aït-Nouri is a player turning a lot of heads recently and is reportedly attracting interest from Manchester United and Manchester City, and its largely down to impressive performances for Angers this season, and his massive potential.
Brendan Rodgers could have the perfect Ben Chilwell replacement in Aït-Nouri, at just 19-years of age, the French under-21 international can become a leading Premier League full-back for years to come. In an era where full-backs are hugely vital and influential to the attacking play of any elite side, Aït-Nouri possesses the qualities, panache and attacking drive to make it at the top level.
He’s a proactive full-back and almost acts as a winger in the way in which he stands up to his opponent with the ball and beats them before getting to the byline and putting in an effective cross, averaging 1.33 successful dribbles, with a dribble success rate of 46%. There’s no reason why he can’t develop into a winger in the future. Aït-Nouri is also proactive in his defensive duels, averaging 1.7 tackles per game, 1.1 interceptions, 1.5 clearances and 5.83 successful pressures.
If both Manchester clubs are reportedly interested in the defender’s services, then Leicester can do no wrong in putting their name in the hat. It’s unclear whether Angers will demand a high fee for Aït-Nouri, he is a valuable presence but a fee of £15-20 million may just be enough to force him away from his boyhood club.
Jamal Lewis – Norwich
Norwich may have blocked his dream move to Liverpool, but there is a guarantee that Jamal Lewis will indeed be plying his trade in the Premier League again next season, and Leicester City should be at the front of the queue.
Ben Chilwell’s immediate future at the King Power is in doubt as a move to Chelsea reportedly edges closer, and Jamal Lewis represents yet another perfect replacement for the England international.
Like Emiliano Buendia, Todd Cantwell, Ben Godfrey and Max Aarons, Jamal Lewis is on to bigger and better things after his impressive showings in his first campaign in the English top-flight. His next move could have been to Anfield but for Norwich remaining stern on their fee of £20million pounds for his services which the Premier League champions didn’t want to part with.
Ben Chilwell will likely cost in the region of £60million-£70million if his move away does materialise so Leicester will have no problems investing in some of that money on a replacement. Jamal Lewis fits the profile perfectly.
Lewis is young, model-professional, technically gifted and offers a lot to the attacking play, although he didn’t register an assist all season, he’s still got a lot to learn and improve if he is to develop his game at a bigger outfit. Under the tutelage of Brendan Rodgers could be just what the Northern Irish international needs.
Sergio Reguillon – Sevilla
One of the best left-backs in Europe right now. Sevilla’s on-loan Real Madrid full-back Sergio Reguillon is a man in high demand because of his sparkling performances for under Julen Lopetegui.
Chelsea, Everton and Napoli are all reportedly interested in acquiring his services after Real Madrid made it known that they are willing to listen to offers. Leicester City should be amongst those list of clubs.
This is a full-back that has grown and developed beyond measure during his loan spell at Sevilla and it comes as a huge shock to find that his services are no longer required at the Santiago Bernabeu despite Marcelo’s steady decline. 3 goals and 4 assists from left-back are incredible numbers.
Reguillon has established himself as a vital component in Lopetegui’s impressively built Sevilla team, and his influence, professionalism, desire and passion on the left that won Sevilla some vital points last season. His influence in attack isn’t the hallmark of his rapid development though, he’s remarkably improved in defence too. 1.60 tackles won. 2.25 interceptions. 3.65 successful pressures, 54.7% of his aerial duels won, 1.40 blocks and 3.19 clearances per 90 means Reguillon has slowly become one of the most complete full-backs in European football.
The way in which he operates shows his incredible influences in all phases of play, both defensively and in attack. Constantly up and down for 90 minutes, contributes wholly to Sevilla’s build-up play and his width on the left hand side allows them to stretch defences and cut them open when their opponents defend in deep blocks. He averages 3.49 crosses per 90 owing to his capabilities of supplying his forwards with his amazing left-foot.
After just one full taste of La Liga experience, its safe to say Reguillon is ready to take the next step already in his young career. He’s got the character, personality and ability to adapt and there’s no reason why Rodgers can’t replace Chilwell with arguably Europe’s most effective full-back right now.
Defensive/Central Midfield
Josh DaSilva – Brentford
One of Brentford’s standout performer’s last campaign, as they embarked on a strong promotion push to the Barclays Premier League despite falling at the last hurdle to Fulham.
Josh Dasilva may not be as influential Ollie Watkins, Bryan Mbueno, or Said Benrahma, but its a disservice to him that his performances and abilities this season has somewhat gone under the radar because of those three.
The ex-Arsenal product won’t be complaining though, and can take huge pride at his development and growth in an impressive Brentford team. 10 goals and 4 assist from midfield is a remarkable feat. But that’s not all, it isn’t his goal contributions that has propelled him, but all-round work in the middle. A silky, energetic and destructive midfielder.
Josh Dasilva is as elegant with the ball as he is brash without it, not afraid to put his body on the line to dominate his opponents or use his body to shield the ball and maneuver away from challenges. He’s averaged 1.5 key passes per game, and 1.4 dribbles. DaSilva’s tall, lean frame means he’s able to get across the midfield quickly and efficiently and also put himself about in order to over-power his markers. He’s also fantastic in possession too. Whenever he receives a pass, he holds the awareness around him, the positional understanding and vision to move the ball about metronomically.
He keeps things ticking over, creates passing lanes, breaking opposition lines and always makes himself available in order to pick apart teams who sit deep. Dasilva’s abilities on and off the ball mean he’s not just an effective, creative box-to-box midfielder, but also a steady and silky deep-lying playmaker. He may not be as destructive as Wilfried Ndidi, but his game could prove invaluable to Brendan Rodgers. A potential wildcard and a player who could make a telling contribution in the English top-flight.
Marcos Antonio – Shaktar Donetsk
Another potential wildcard for Leicester City, but Marcos Antonio potentially could be worth the risk. The Brazilian midfielder has established himself over the past year as one of the brightest young South American midfielders in Europe.
It’s been a whirlwind couple of years for Antonio. From Club Athletico Paranaense in July to Shakhtar in February 2019, via Estoril. His 2018/19 season culminated in the Ukrainian Cup final, in which he played the full 90 minutes as Shakhtar swept to a decisive 4-0 victory. He also claimed the first league title of his career, and it should be the first of many for a midfielder with such enormous potential.
It’s probably about time, more young Brazilian talents are given an opportunity in the Premier League, just ask the player below. Antônio is a small but spirited midfielder that commands play from the base of midfield. He is zippy and agile when changing directions, allowing him to be effective in tight spaces as he takes the ball forward. For a small player, he uses his body smartly when shielding opponents from the ball, while his sublime first touch aids him to create space for himself when receiving the ball in traffic.
A silky midfielder but also combative when he needs to be, he uses his small frame to his advantage becoming a terrier-like ball-winner because of his swift footwork and ability to screen efficiently in front of defenders. However, all his work defensively doesn’t mean he’s just your typical defensive midfielder. Antonio also possesses tremendous ball-carrying abilities too. While he likes to take up possession at the base of midfield, he is potent when transitioning forward through crowded central areas.
While another year at a decorated team such as Shakhtar may do his development some good, if a team from around Europe comes scouring for his signature then you won’t be surprised to see Antonio’s head turn, he’s worth his weight in gold.
Douglas Luiz – Aston Villa
Reports are fast emerging that Manchester City are looking to bring Douglas Luiz back to the Etihad, the place he started out in Europe after his move from Brazilian outfit Vasco da Gama in 2017 and if that’s the case then Rodgers may have potentially missed the ideal steel he needs in midfield.
Arguably Aston Villa’s stand-out performer after the restart, leading his side to safety by the skin of their teeth. The Brazilian proved a key component in Dean Smith’s side through his dominant and impressive showings from the base of midfield. Luiz has split opinion so often this season, but that can arguably be put down to Aston Villa’s collective struggles rather than Luiz’s individual displays.
In fact, the defensive midfielder has been Dean Smith’s most consistent player for a while now, regularly shining while his teammates flattered to deceive. Douglas Luiz is a technically proficient midfielder, but also tenacious and combative when needed. A fantastic presence in possession, always making himself available to receive a pass whether in tight areas or in space to penetrate opposition lines and progress the ball.
He’s also brilliant in getting by his opponents with his silky feet and movement. He may be frustrating to watch when trying to take on one too many or attempting the audacious pass, but his bravery and willingness to assert his authority in games is particularly impressive. At times, his Villa teammates aren’t on the same wavelength so most of his bold attempts at a pass or a swift one-two more than likely doesn’t come off but in a much better side, you’d very much appreciate his fearlessness.
Douglas Luiz would be perfect for Leicester in that Rodgers always looks to progress play within his tactical setup, Luiz provides progressive football in abundance whether through his passing or dribbling. He completed 3.79 progressive passes and 3.93 passes into the final third last season highlighting his technical qualities and ability to break opposition lines. 3 goals and 2 assists last season from his defensive midfield only furthers his suitability for the top clubs in the Premier League.
Winger
Leicester City are in dire need of a reliable and creative winger, something they so often lacked throughout the closing weeks of the Premier League season. Harvey Barnes was their only success story in the wide areas from last season, why Demarai Gray, Marc Albrighton and Ayoze Perez didn’t get the necessary game time they desired, that maybe because of their own form or Rodgers doesn’t think they’re good enough to lead the side to the next level.
But, who can?
Said Benrahma – Brentford
Arguably the most decorated and exciting player currently playing in the Championship last season. It won’t be long before Saïd Benrahma is gracing the Barclays Premier League. His extraordinary talents are tailor-made for it.
Brentford may have missed out on Premier League promotion to Fulham. Though, it’s a certainty Benrahma will be gracing the English top-flight before too long. This is an extraordinary talent, one whose technical qualities and silky skills is good enough to even be playing across any of the teams in the current top 4. Leicester City should be in front of the queue for Benrahma.
The Algerian was been central to Brentford’s promotion push, contributing to 26 of their goals in the Championship (17 goals, 9 assists) in 38 starts. Remarkable numbers for a player who continues to intrigue and set games alight even when there weren’t any fans. Of Brentford’s 17 goals since the restart, Benrahma had a hand in nine of them, scoring seven.
Lining up on the left of Brentford’s 4-3-3 shape, Benrahma is their sole creative force, blessed with such unerring tricks, dribbling qualities, vision, imagination and a confidence that few players in the division can match.
Once he comes inside off the left, something spectacular is about to happen and that’s the kind of pedigree Rodgers needs to take this team forward. James Maddison was sorely missed towards the end of last season, and how they could have used such an exciting creative force like Benrahma to strengthen their position in the Champions League places.
Benrahma certainly has what it takes to cut it at the top level. His counterpart Riyad Mahrez is currently tearing it up at City. The Brentford star holds all the characteristics and ability to match the heights of his fellow Algerian. Leicester should seriously consider going putting all their eggs in the Benrahma basket. He may just be worth it.
David Brooks – Bournemouth
An ideal signing for Brendan Rodgers if this move is to materialise this summer.
Welsh international only just returned from a long-term injury to feature prominently for Bournemouth since the restart, and already showed why the club have sorely missed him over the past 18 months.
Brooks is an exciting young forward and incredibly versatile too. The Welshman can perform roles on the left, the right and at no.10 due to his trickery, pace, technical acumen and bravery. He is simply too good to be playing Championship football next season, and Leicester City should be the club to rescue him from the second division. He’s young, vibrant, hard-working, and also a model professional and looks the perfect player for Rodgers to mold and help develop.
The 23-year-old holds such remarkable potential and needs a club to help him discover it. Leicester City fit the bill perfectly.
Bournemouth have flattered to deceive last season. Their poor defensive showings have often been bailed out by their exciting attacking play throughout their time in the Premier League, a regular trend that has been the hallmark of Eddie Howe’s side since they gained promotion in 2015. That wasn’t been the case last season, due to Brook’s injury and loss of form to key players.
The 2018/19 campaign saw his astonishing breakthrough in the English top-flight, scoring 7 goals and 5 assists in 30 outings. These are numbers that prove Brooks has what it takes to make it at the top level. Leicester City currently lacks a progressive ball carrier on the flanks, and Brooks would provide the perfect low-risk solution to their creative issues both on the flanks and in the middle, potentially killing two birds with one stone.
Viktor Tsygankov – Dynamo Kiev
Very few players from Eastern Europe has or can excite fans like Viktor Tsygankov, that’s why he is arguably one of the most coveted players to emerge from that side of the continent.
An incredibly agile, skillful and technically gifted winger, Tsygankov has quickly demanded the attention and respect of his peers through his showstopping abilities and eye-catching match-winning performances. The old saying of letting your feet and performances on the pitch do the talking can be applied to the Ukrainian wonderkid.
He is a player who leads by example, and there can be no complaints if a player as young as he is can captain a club as prestigious as Dynamo Kyiv. The archetypal leader is an abrasive, all-action, vocal, pit bull-like character, marshalling the team from the centre of the pitch.
Tsygankov – a right-winger – does not need to play up to those typical conventions. Instead, his skill and footballing gift commands the respect of his peers, regardless of seniority. The Ukrainian already holds the capabilities to cut it at the top level, he’s risk and reward type winger, and that’s a trait Leicester could do with right now, and its also about time Tsygankov challenges himself at a much higher level.
Dwight McNeil – Burnley
One of the brightest young wingers in the Premier League. Former Manchester United academy product Dwight McNeil has come on leaps and bounds over the past year, establishing himself as a vital cog in Sean Dyche’s well-oiled Burnley machine.
Lining up the left-hand side of Burnley’s rigid 4-4-2 setup, Dwight McNeil is tasked with becoming Dyche’s main creative hub through his wand of a left foot, crossing for the big men upfront or drifting inside to instigate attacks. The England under-21 international has further enhanced his game over the past year, and its no wonder why he’s so highly coveted currently and is already attracting a lot of interest from Premier league clubs, including Serie A giants AC Milan and Juventus.
Leicester City need to get in the act for his signature. It’s clear Rodgers needs creativity from the wide areas with Harvey Barnes arguably the only player providing the spark and cutting edge throughout the campaign. Dwight McNeil may not be the quickest, but his deliveries and vision are unmatched, always placing the ball in areas where defenders struggle to deal with.
2 goals and 6 assist may represent average goal output for McNeil’s qualities, but its important to consider that Burnley aren’t the most fluid when scoring goals, it all comes a premium. In fact, McNeil offers so much more than his goal output, in his positioning, defensive output and his keeping the width in order to stretch the play.
He’s an orthodox winger, but also many have considered that the 20-year-old may prove an invaluable option at left-back owing to the space at which he needs to operate in order to become more effective in his chance creation. Whether he lines up in such a position at the King Power is unknown, but joining the club may well prove the perfect step-up for the player, and also provide him with the experience of European football, testing himself against some of Europe’s elite players.
James Maddison Alternative?
Leicester City sorely missed James Maddison towards the end of last season, and their pursuit of Champions League football suffered as a result. Their last two games of the season, against Tottenham and Manchester United, showed their lack of creativity, lack of invention when they needed it most. Youri Tielemans proved a stable bet, though it was clear he needed help, someone who he could link with in James Maddison’s absence.
Brendan Rodgers will certainly be aiming to address that need this summer, especially with Europa League football on the horizon, which means more quality options are required. Leicester City can ill-afford to rely on Maddison alone.
So who can Rodgers look to, in order to provide the extra creative quality they need.
Emiliano Buendia – Norwich
Norwich may have been relegated from the Premier League, but Daniel Farke’s side went down really exciting fans across the top-flight with their fluid and unique style of football. It may have been naive at times, but it sure drew fans to some of their bright young attacking talents, most specifically Emiliano Buendia.
The Argentine midfielder is a thrilling creative force, and would represent a fantastic addition for any top six side in the Premier League. 7 assists in his first taste of English football is something to be proud of, and he can take heart in the fact that he can certainly cut it amongst the best.
Not only is Buendia a stylish and unique midfielder around the final third but he is also a bulldog and terrier-like when trying to win possession back for his team, a trait Rodgers could hold dear within his system. Per90, he averages 7.67 successful pressures, ranking 97th in the percentile rank. He also averages an impressive 2.3 tackles and 0.6 interceptions per game, highlighting his desire and enthusiasm when pressing from the front.
Buendia even created more chances than James Maddison last season, even when lining up on the right hand side of the attack. The Argentine’s freedom to roam inside in and find pockets of space to create opportunities was a useful and vital tool for Norwich City and Rodgers can benefit from Buendia too.
Buendia is an excellent reader of the game, but also a graceful creative aspect when threading the eye of the needle pass. He constantly picks out the right positions in between the opponent’s midfield and defence in order to connect with the forwards and pick apart organised defences which some lovely through balls, which is further shown through his 2.3 key passes per game.
His excellent on-the-ball qualities, technical acumen and quickness of feet means he’s incredibly competent in operating in the tight areas of the attacking third. This is what Leicester City need, Buendia offers something much different to Maddison in that he can add more cutting edge and tenacity off the ball when tasked with pressuring high up the pitch. Buendia will provide Rodgers with much needed variety in the creative department.
Marcel Sabitzer – RB Leipzig
One of the most underrated attacking midfielders in Europe, let alone the Bundesliga. Marcel Sabitzer has proven time and time again since his arrival 6 years ago that he deserves much more acclaim and recognition. The interest he is receiving right now may just be the start of him going on to become the player he’s always been primed to be.
He’s been a vital stalwart of the RB Leipzig emergence over the past few years, the underappreciated face of the club, and maybe now is the time for him to seek pastures new. The question is, whether he will sacrifice Champions League football next season, for Europa League football with Tottenham Hotspur also expressing an interest in his services. Though, you wouldn’t put it past Sabitzer to seek a new challenge wherever it may be.
16 goals and 7 assists in all competitions throughout the 2019/20 campaign, Sabitzer has once again carried on his sparkling form under the radar. He’s a fantastic versatile midfielder, sometimes lining up on the right of midfield, or as a traditional central midfielder or in his usual role as no.10. Wherever Sabitzer plays, he’ll put in 100%. He’s a reliable creative presence, always fashioning chances for his teammates, averaging 3.36 shot creating actions, 2.04 passes into the box, 4.14 passes into the final third per 90 minutes.
Sabitzer is also metronomic in RB Leipzig’s build-up play, always making himself available to receive a pass in dangerous areas and will always look forward whether driving with the ball or attempting the audacious through ball. He’s astonishingly averaged 7.37 progressive passes per 90 in the Bundesliga this season. With Vardy in front of him, he can perform those risky through balls at will. Marcel Sabitzer could be the perfect tonic to lead Leicester forward. He’s got European experience, understanding and pedigree too.
Long-term replacement for Jamie Vardy?
Leicester’s main man Jamie Vardy really isn’t getting any younger and probably still has probably one more season to offer what he regularly has been ever since Leicester City’s title win in 2015.
So Rodgers will also need to plan for that accordingly, maybe not with this summer in mind but certainly in the near future:
Odsonne Edouard – Celtic
One of the finest strikers in the whole of Britain, if not Europe. The man who aided Brendan Rodgers in winning the Scottish domestic treble in 2018. If you need any evidence of his extraordinary exploits, then check his 2019/20 goalscoring feats.
Odsonne Edouard is an elegant, multi-functional player. The Frenchman oozes confidence, and quality when he steps on the pitch. Up-front maybe his natural position, but his contributions and influence in attack run deeper than that.
As well as his 22 Scottish Premier League goals, he also registered 7 assists last season as well as a hat-trick in the first game of the SPL 2020/21 season against Hamilton Academical showcasing his creative spark and abilities in the final third.
As well as a natural goalscorer, he can also act as the team’s main creative force from the front in order to create space and opportunities for his teammates. He loves to drop into the half-space to exchange passes before moving into spaces vacated by the defence. While it’s so effective and complimentary of Celtic’s attacking play, it is also bamboozling for opposing defenders, they are often left confused as to who to pick up.
He is rarely exuberant all the showboating type with it, but he exhibits an effective use of his control in tight spaces and a technique that few players in the Scottish division can match. It’s abilities such as this, and his fantastic movement, link-up play that makes him such a dangerous commodity within the final third.
Edouard represents the perfect and ideal choice to replace Vardy in the long haul, he’s spent nearly three good years in Scotland and its about time he finally makes the move to the English top-flight to further his development. Playing under Brendan Rodgers again may just be an opportunity he won’t dare pass up. However, the French under-21 superstar won’t come cheap.
Myron Boadu – AZ Alkmaar
Another perfect potential replacement for Jamie Vardy, and one of the finest young strikers in European football right now.
20 goals and 8 assists in what’s been a remarkable breakthrough season for the Dutch forward. Now Boadu has a major decision regards to his future at such a promising club. Does he stick or twist?
The Dutch international is an incredibly agile, silky and pacey forward, capable of playing on the shoulder of the last defender latching onto through balls and finishing off the move witch such a clinical and ruthless edge. He’s a striker with such great movement, making him a danger against higher defensive lines and also in attacking transitions, an area where Jamie Vardy has become an expert in. Myron Boadu is of a similar breed.
With Calvin Stengs and Oussama Idrissi remarkably gifted in creating chances and opportunities, Boadu’s movement and non-stop running makes their jobs much easier. They are able to pick him with such ease, whether in behind the defence or to his feet in tight-spaces.
He’s only 19 years of age, so installing him as a back-up striker to Jamie Vardy will make so much sense, where he could learn off one of England’s most renowned strikers to aid his development.
Marcus Thuram – Borussia Mochengladbach
It’s a huge surprise that Gladbach forward Marcus Thuram hasn’t been heavily linked with any of Europe’s top clubs so far this summer. In what was arguably his most fruitful season, you would think most European clubs will be battling it out for his signature right now. Though, that is Gladbach’s gain as they will surely need him next season as they embark on their first Champions League run under Marco Rose.
It wouldn’t hurt for Leicester to have a look at him for the future though. The 23-year-old striker notched 14 goals and eight assists in all competitions during the 2019/20 campaign. It’s important to note that last year was the first full experience of the Bundesliga, and he’s taken to it very well showing remarkable growth and development in a little over a year. Thuram is a versatile forward, also capable of fulfilling roles both at right-wing and left-wing.
He’s featured everywhere across the front-line for Gladbach last season, because of fantastic influence in the final third, his strength, movement, pace and power. Thuram’s eight assists in the Bundesliga pits him amongst the best creators in the competition. He’s an all-round forward, very adept at winning balls in the air, capable of holding up the ball or running down the line to keep possession of the ball when needed. He would be a fantastic addition to any side in the PL, so why not Leicester City?
Article by Anthony Onifade
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!
