Following a disastrous Premier League season, there was much frustration around Leicester City football club. Another Championship season, no new manager, no new kit and no new players. However, a youthful Foxes side has been able to show glimpses of hope, as they helped the club to a 3-1 win versus Peterborough United.
What We Learnt From Leicester City’s Victory
The Youth Are Ready
Since moving to the £100m training complex in December 2020, academy players have been a key part of the club. The likes of Luke Thomas, Jakub Stolarczyk and Kasey McAteer have all since made the jump to the first team. The latest crop of talents includes under-16 trio Jeremy Monga, Jake Evans and Louis Page. All three have played for England at youth level and are highly rated around the club.
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This afternoon’s fixture would provide these players with the chance to prove their worth versus a tough League One side. This is what happened as many of these young talents entered the frame at half time, with the teams level. Monga looked quality once again, as he combined well with Will Alves and was desperate to take on his man. Likewise, Page was on form. His late arrival runs led to a brace, which was enough to pick up the victory.
Defenders Ben Nelson and Olabade Aluko also stood out. The duo are incredibly gifted both athletically and technically. Nelson’s stifling long passes forward were dangerous in isolating the winger, whilst Aluko always looked comfortable.
These players may not be ready for a 46-game season at the moment, but these glimpses are much more promising than watching the likes of Oliver Skipp or Victor Kristiansen.
Time to Revert Back to Enzo Maresca’s System
Due to Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s recent sacking, first team coach Andy King has taken the reins for the first friendly. Throughout the first half, it was clear that the home side wanted to play in the shape that had become synonymous with former manager Enzo Maresca.
Ricardo Pereira inverted from full-back to join Harry Winks in the double pivot. Meanwhile, Luke Thomas on the left made up a back three with Nelson and Caleb Okoli. This gave the Foxes great control as the patterns learnt from the Italian were in free flow. Wingers were also high and wide, whilst Skipp and Golding offered a threat in the half space.
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Though this didn’t lead to any first-half goals, the likes of Pereira and Stephy Mavididi looked back to their best. In addition to this, King’s side also pressed much better. They triggered at the right times and often forced Peterborough into mistakes.
These were promising signs in this regard, and it will be interesting to see whether the next manager will continue with these principles.
Will Leicester City be Ready for the Upcoming Season?
Although there were many positives within today’s performance, there are still signs the club is not ready for their first fixture on August 10. For example, many players who are rumoured to be leaving still played a part. The likes of Conor Coady have been rumoured with moves, but are still present.
Moreover, patterns of play that may be needed throughout the upcoming season aren’t being worked on as the new manager has not been announced yet. Therefore, adjusting to the new principles may be tough in the first few games of the season.
The East Midlands outfit also played in training attire as the new kit has not yet been released. This could once again be seen as poor planning behind the scenes, from the Leicester higher-ups who have been strongly criticised over the past season.
