Leicester City’s struggles and startling dip in form has been highlighted and discussed in such details that we are not going to dwell too much on it. But the chasm in fortune and the unpredictability of the Premier League throws open such a strong warning to whoever fail to come prepared or fluff their lines even a bit. The Foxes conjured English Folklore when they finished 1st in a League which hosts clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City amongst others. Clubs boasting of resources of over 1 billion. Leicester’s victory restored faith in people who were disillusioned with the influx of huge amount of money in the game. The Foxes did that and much, much more with their win.
That is a major reason why the neutrals want Leicester to recover from their poor start to their domestic campaign this season. They have failed to get going and it seems the pressure of the tag of being Champions and the distractions and the work-load of different competitions haven’t been handled by them in the best manner.
Although, they are currently in the 14th position, given the nature of the table right now, a couple of wins or losses can change the dynamics totally for any team.
The board decided against going for a replacement for last season’s midfield powerhouse N’Golo Kante. It seemed to be a strange move then and almost half way into the season, the effects of that decision is still being felt. While Chelsea are sitting pretty on top and enjoying the luxury of Kante, Leicester are badly struggling in midfield in light of his absence.
Drinkwater hasn’t looked the same while King and Amartey are nowhere close to his level. Nampalys Mendy has been injured and we don’t quite know how much he can impact after such a serious injury. They have been outrun and outfought in the centre of the park. Yes, Mahrez and Vardy’s form is also a major reason but with the engine room running empty, it is unfair to ask the machine to run.
Leicester City have reportedly had an agreement for N’Didi and while he is versatile and might fill in positions in Leicester’s half, they need to look for a more established midfield player, either on loan or for sale and get the move done.
Players like Schneiderlin and John Obi Mikel are viable options, especially on loan and with Champions League football one of the enticing factors, might be open to a move as well. A proper central defensive midfielder will surely give their midfield a more stable look. He can protect the back four from the constant barrage they have had to face and at the same time give a degree of control on the proceedings at the centre of the pitch.
