Among Leicester’s plethora of issues, a lack of deeper midfield talent has certainly been problematic. Harry Winks was brought back into the side after falling out with Marti Cifuentes, perhaps one of the best indicators of the issues. Oliver Skipp has been better this season, but with relegation confirmed, there are many unknowns. Several players are set to leave, which should open up places for young players. Sammy Braybrooke has well and truly caught the attention of all Chesterfield fans, and could he be City’s midfield solution in League One?
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The Leicester Talent Who Could Spearhead Their Revival
Sammy Braybrooke: Back To His Best
Braybrooke has had somewhat of a peculiar pathway to reaching regular minutes in the EFL. He was always highly thought of in his early years at Leicester, with Brendan Rodgers handing him a first-team debut at just 18 years old. He was also regularly capped for the England youth teams; even captaining the under-19s at one point. However, he faced a major setback and was on the sidelines for over a year due to an ACL injury. This ultimately prevented him from tasting more men’s football, especially as Enzo Maresca incorporated the youth incredibly well.
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Once recovering, he spent the early part of the 2024/25 season with Dundee FC. The loan didn’t necessarily go to plan as he made just seven league appearances before being recalled. Despite this, he continued to perform for the Foxes academy and even made the first-team bench for the final game of the season against Bournemouth. After pre-season with Leicester, this current campaign began at Newport County. Whilst the Exiles struggled for form, Braybrooke consistently impressed and even scored a goal from his own half.
It all led to a move to fellow League Two side Chesterfield in January. Unlike Newport, the Spireites are fighting for play-offs, which certainly bodes well for the 22-year-old’s development. Since joining, he has once again been excellent and was even named in the League Two Team of the Season. A win against Crewe at the weekend took them into the elusive play-off places, with manager Kieron Dyer pleased with the Leicester loanee. He said: “I am fortunate to have played at the highest level, and this kid is destined for the top. For me, he’s the best midfielder in the league by a country mile,”
How Does This Affect Leicester?
Looking ahead, Braybrooke is one of the players the side needs to be built around next season. He’s performing in men’s football and has all the attributes that a midfielder needs. He can be aggressive out of possession, dictate games, progress the ball and even score goals. If City could pair him with a taller, and maybe more physical profile, then they would have the ideal combination to take League One by storm. As for roles, he can play as a six, eight or even the 10. The well-rounded nature allows him to apply his trade in all areas of the pitch.
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Outside of this, his mindset is also very impressive for a youngster. He’s demonstrated his leadership qualities in the England setup, which is another great achievement considering the quality of those teams. On the pitch, he can also be tenacious, as seen through his willingness to win headers and break up play. It’s these kinds of qualities that will go a long way with supporters. Even the mental fortitude to come back from the injury and the tough initial loan spell is very encouraging. Overall, it’s difficult to imagine what City’s team sheet will look like on the opening day of next season, but with a year like this, it’s hard to imagine Braybrooke won’t be on there.
Featured Image Credit
Jake Youle / Sportimage
