As the Premier League campaign draws to a close, there are a number of awards to be won for Leicester City’s players.
The Foxes’ fans can now cast their vote on the player of the season, the young player of the season and the goal of the season and there are a number of competitors who could easily win the awards.
The players up for the young player of the season award are Matty James, Jeffrey Schlupp, Liam Moore, Tom Lawrence, Anthony Knockaert and Andrej Kramarić. Considering the lack of appearances from some of these players in the league, such as Moore, who went on loan to Championship side Brentford, and both Lawrence and Knockaert making regular appearances for the under-21 side, there can only really be three contenders.
Since signing from HNK Rijeka in January, Andrej Kramarić has struggled to adapt to the game in the Premier League which is why the Croatian has lacked consistent first-team football. Goals have been a big feature of Kramarić’s game outside of England but he hasn’t yet hit a serious run of form with Leicester. His positive attitude and ability is definitely recognised by the fans and should the Foxes avoid relegation this season, he could be a vital part of Leicester’s next season in the top flight.
Matty James is another player who has featured in a number of games for Leicester this season, maybe to the surprise of the fans who expected Danny Drinkwater to have more of a role in central midfield. James has stepped up to the mark with his assurance, strength and reliability which has been vital in protecting the defence and building up the attack on the opposition.
The player most likely to win the young player of the season award is Jeffrey Schlupp, who has impressed the fans with his pace and strength this season, sometimes making everyone forget he is only 22 years of age. After losing Lloyd Dyer in the summer, there was much speculation about the gap on the left side of the pitch, but Schlupp has filled that gap showing his versatility in playing at both left-wing and left-back for the Foxes. Despite a slight injury towards the end of the season, Schlupp has had an excellent year and Leicester can be proud of their youth academy product.
Voting is now OPEN for #lcfc‘s 2014/15 Season Awards! Cast your vote today – http://t.co/7OS8DjT9xX pic.twitter.com/K0B15X3Y1R
— Leicester City (@OfficialFOXES) May 7, 2015
Choosing the Player of the Season may be an easy decision for Foxes fans, but there are still about five key players in contention.
The player most likely to win this award is the name on every fan’s lips: Esteban Cambiasso. The Argentine veteran has amazed everyone at the club with the knowledge and experience he has brought to the team. He has been a leader ever since his surprise arrival at the club in the summer and without him on the pitch Leicester may not have put themselves in such a good position to avoid relegation.
Another team member who has impressed in his first season with the Foxes is Leonardo Ulloa, who has contributed 10 goals and 3 assists in the campaign. Ulloa has contributed to a large number of Leicester’s points this season and they wouldn’t be as high up in the league table without him.
Riyad Mahrez has also had a key role in the Leicester team this year, despite travelling with Algeria to play in the African Cup of Nations and a late drop of form towards the end of the season. His contribution of 4 goals and 4 assists and his gifted dribbling and technical ability have been pivotal to Leicester’s fast attacking football.
Another fan favourite who could also win the player of the season award is Jamie Vardy, whose passion and hunger has played a vital part in getting the Foxes out of the relegation zone. His pace and persistence is enough to frighten any Premier League defenders and with a number of goals and assists to his name, he is proving why he was so important in Leicester’s promotion from the Championship.
A dark horse for this award is January loan signing Robert Huth, as the German’s physical presence has solidified the Leicester defence leading to a number of clean sheets. If Leicester escape relegation, it is imperative that Huth is signed on a permanent deal.
The final award that fans can vote for is goal of the season and in a season of many quality goals there isn’t an outright winner.
Cambiasso’s goal against Manchester United was not only an excellent finish, but it was the equaliser in the memorable 5-3 win at the King Power Stadium, where Leicester came from 3-1 down. This was an emotional goal as it was Cambiasso’s first for Leicester and it clearly meant so much to him and the fans.
Another brilliant goal was from David Nugent in the 2-2 draw at Anfield versus Liverpool, which sparked a dramatic comeback from two goals down. There was a great build up of passing play up to this goal and following a chest down from Vardy; Nugent’s scissor-kick style finish was something to remember.
The final main challenger for goal of the season is from Jamie Vardy at West Brom, but for a different reason. Not only was it an exceptional solo goal but it was a last minute winner which had huge significance, extending the Foxes’ winning run and helping them get out of the relegation zone.
There are many different players who could win the awards, and once fans have voted the results will be released near the end of the season.
To cast your vote in the Leicester City End of Season Awards, click here.
