According to Express, Paul Merson has claimed that Leicester City are likely to struggle in their chase for the services of Youri Tielemans in the summer. Instead, the Sky Sports punding has backed both Manchester United and Arsenal in their pursuit of the Belgian midfielder.
“I think he can go to any of the top four, or top six. If I were Arsenal or Man United, I’d be looking at him all day long, all day long.” – Merson said.
The importance of Tielemans at Leicester City
Tielemans joined Leicester City from AS Monaco on a six-month loan deal in January. And missing out on his services on a permanent basis could be a massive blow for the Foxes.
Since arriving, the Belgian midfielder has added more dynamism that was missing in the Leicester midfield this season. His ability to press the opposition and initiate turnovers have been beneficial for Wilfried Ndidi – making them much more vigilant in midfield.
It has also allowed James Maddison to become more expressive in the final third. As a result, the Foxes have been able to create more chances going forward.
Moreover, Tielemans’s vicious right-foot made him a threat from long-range. The 21-year-old has averaged 2.5 shots on goal per game this season, almost two of which have come from outside the box.
Leicester’s alternatives for Tielemans
Leicester City lacks any bonafide replacement for Tielemans in their current crop in midfielders. Matty James has struggled from injuries throughout last year, and it’s unlikely he will be included in Rodgers’ plans next season.
As for Nampalys Mendy, his lack of consistency will force Leicester to rely on the transfer market. Alternatively, Rodgers could utilise Hamza Choudhury, who has been one of the rising stars in the Premier League this season.
Choudhury’s impressive positioning, coupled with his high defensive work-rate could add more steel to the midfield. However, it could force Maddison to once again operate in a deeper role.
Should Leicester City go all out on Tielemans?
Despite arriving in England in January, Tielemans has successfully integrated himself into the faster-paced nature of English football. And given the way he has instilled stability into the Leicester City midfield in such a short period, it would perhaps be wiser for the Foxes to go all out for the midfielder.
But Merson iterated, they will have to be swift and a tad lucky in their approach to sign Tielemans, with Arsenal and Manchester United also keen on securing the services of the Belgian this summer.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
