Leicester City have had a fairly mixed season thus far. While the thing many people feared and expected in equal measure has happened, that is the strong possibility of teams setting up differently against the Foxes, they have flourished in Europe which has been a major surprise. Many might point out to the quality of the group they have been pooled in but there is no taking away from the ease with which they have settled on the stage.
While Leicester are realistically looking at a mid-table finish in the Premier League, we take a look at how their summer signings have performed thus far.
ISLAM SLIMANI- 8/10
The big money buy by Leicester. After managing to retain Vardy and Mahrez, they decided to spend big on the Algerian. He has made 6 appearances till now in the league and is their highest goal scorer with 3 goals and an assist. He has shown promise and is expected to be a key man this campaign with Vardy off-colour.
AHMED MUSA- 6/10
Started off well with some sparkling displays but has failed to kick-on since. Ranieri planned to use Vardy and Musa in a front two but they failed to click. Vardy’s drastic dip has meant added pressure on the new signings and Musa has been played in a couple of positions now. Has scored 2 goals and with a slightly wide role, will do good to get a few more in the coming matches.
NAMPALYS MENDY- 2/10
Made one appearance where he was subbed off. Has been through an injury nightmare since then. Though he was not a direct replacement for Kante, he was still expected to play a vital role after the French international’s departure. Instead, Ranieri has had to do with the inexperienced Andy King.
Although it is illogical to blame a player for the injuries he suffers and shouldn’t have been rated, he gets the 2 for the hope still in the Leicester fans who believe a fully fit Mendy would help in giving the team a spine in midfield.
RON ROBERT-ZIELER- 5/10
Has found it difficult to dislodge Schmeichel as the first choice but has started 3 matches in the league and kept a clean sheet. We will get to see a lot more of him in the coming weeks although not due to the reason Leicester would have wanted to, with an injury to Kasper giving Ron the opportunity.
LUIS HERNANDEZ- 6/10
He hasn’t been able to have a sniff in the central defensive positions after a run of games right at the start of the season with an injury to Huth. Ranieri has preferred his tried and tested back-four in the League but Hernandez has been getting a fair run in the Champions League where he has been decent. Much needed depth.
BARTOSZ KAPUTSKA- NA
The Polish wonder kid was touted as the next Mahrez to be unleashed by Claudio Ranieri but hasn’t been utilised by Leicester till now. He has voiced his willingness to fight for his chance and does not look at a loan option as a solution right now. He certainly has a bright future ahead of him but we hope he starts playing as soon as possible, where ever it might be.
STATS COURTESY- SQUAWKA.COM
