The whole process of a new manager coming into a side and taking over the reins from his predecessor has a lot of layers to it. An underperforming team usually gets a boost. Overlooked players feel they have a chance to start anew. And the unpredictability of a new tactical head at times makes the opponents unaware of what to expect.
While most of it has been on show at Everton in this new season with highly rated Ronald Koeman taking over from Roberto Martinez, one of the first casualty of his reign is likely going to be Barcelona youth product, Gerard Deulofeu. The Spaniard has hardly got a look in this season and just like at Barca, his development has stagnated. His partnership with Lukaku seemed promising but has been nipped in the bud and it is reported that he is looking for a move away to get his career moving again.
While there hasn’t been any concrete interest publicly reported by any club, there are a lot of factors which makes Leicester City as an ideal destination for the fleet-footed winger.
The reigning English champions are in a fix. Having failed to balance European and domestic commitments at the start of the season, things seem to be going out of hand now. Although they did get off to a rousing start to their European adventure, the lack of experience and depth has been all too evident.
On 17 points from 18 games, the Foxes need a turnaround and fast. While their title triumph was based on a settled 11 with every player over-performing, they have been found out on that count. They really don’t have any alternatives to Riyad Mahrez and Albrighton on the flanks where Deulofeu thrives.
With a target man like Slimani in the team, the Everton man can thrive on the wings and his razor sharp and accurate deliveries can be hugely successful for a team who seem to have fallen into their own trapping.
The workload and expectations from Mahrez are understandably huge. Having captivated the spectators of the Premier League last season, he has failed to do so again. Defenders have worked out their long and direct approach and their first touch pass policy and other than Manchester City, with Kolarov and Sagna as central defenders, no other team has fallen for that ploy.
The Everton man will bring in pace and a more direct approach with the ball at his feet. He can play across the front four and will be an alternative to Albrighton, Okazaki, Mahrez and Vardy. He has played in a false 9 position for Everton and can replicate that if things need to be freshened up.
With competent players alongside him and the bonus attraction of Champions League football, there aren’t too many reasons which would work against the player deciding to move to the King Power if an offer comes along.
Whether Leicester make a move is to be seen but they will be a much more enhanced group with the player in their wings.
