Brendan Rodgers’ decision to join Leicester City before the end of the season gives him time to evaluate the squad prior to the transfer window. Several players, such as Christian Fuchs, Danny Simpson and Shinji Okazaki, appear set to move on at the end of the season, when their contracts expire. Other veterans, particularly Wes Morgan and Jamie Vardy, have been reassured of their importance to Rodgers’ plans. However, for some, the future is less clear. Several players are effectively auditioning for their Leicester City future over the final weeks of this season.
Leicester City Future Uncertain For Some Players
Demarai Gray
A player can be deemed to have potential for only so long. In the case of Demarai Gray, the young and inexperienced excuse is beginning to wear thin. Despite having made over 100 appearances for the club, Gray continues to struggle to for consistency. Whilst at times his electric pace and ability allow him to seize control of a game, he more often drifts in and out with minimal threat. Gray has started two of Rodgers’ three games in charge and will be given plenty of opportunities to impress, given Marc Albrighton’s absence through injury.
However, he has been outperformed by the less experienced Harvey Barnes since the latter’s recall. Given the huge potential of Barnes and Albrighton’s consistency, Gray needs to deliver in order to avoid being on the outside looking in next season.
Rachid Ghezzal
Another winger looking to prolong his Leicester City future, Rachid Ghezzal has not lived up to expectations this season. Since joining in the summer from Monaco, Ghezzal has failed to adapt to the Premier League, often looking lost. He has failed to adapt to the game’s pace, often wanting too much time on the ball. Ghezzal has shown flashes of potential, most notably when playing in a more central role. However, with James Maddison occupying this position, opportunities here have been limited.
Since his £10 million move, Ghezzal has only one Premier League goal and no assists. With only one substitute appearance to his name since Rodgers’ arrival, Ghezzal has clearly not impressed the new manager. Like Gray, he will have opportunities. However, there is a good chance Ghezzal will depart the King Power Stadium this summer.
Kelechi Iheanacho
Since being brought to the club as one of the league’s most promising young strikers, the change in Kelechi Iheanacho has been seismic. At Manchester City, Iheanacho played with arrogance and had a tendency to be in the right place at the right time. However, fast forward two seasons and the 22-year-old is a shadow of this player. Completely devoid of confidence, Iheanacho’s touch, finishing and decision making have all deteriorated. With just one league goal to his name this season, Iheanacho has lost his spot in the Nigeria team. This week, Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr accused Iheanacho of not taking his football seriously and lacking professionalism.
It must be remembered that Iheanacho is only 22 and is suffering his first bout of bad form. However, with no goal for club or country since September 2018, he is currently bringing nothing to the table. With Leicester playing a lone striker system and Vardy the undisputed starter, opportunities are few and far between for Iheanacho. Brendan Rodgers did suggest he could be willing to try a different system in order to increase Iheanacho’s game time; if this is the case, Iheanacho will need to make the most of the opportunity.
Caglar Soyuncu
Turkish international Caglar Soyuncu only joined Leicester in the summer, costing roughly £18million. However, despite the hefty fee, Soyuncu has made only seven appearances this season. He now finds himself fourth in the centre-back pecking order and has only made the bench once since Rodgers’ arrival. He will likely find himself further down the rankings next season when fellow summer signing Filip Benkovic returns from his loan at Celtic. Benkovic has impressed in Scotland, where he spent time under Rodgers.
Only 22, Soyuncu has time to develop, but is unlikely to do this sufficiently whilst sitting on the bench. He could be a candidate to spend next season out on loan.
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