With the Championship season just under two weeks away, Leicester City’s pre-season is coming towards the end. One highlight from the five games played is Jeremy Monga, the 16-year-old ‘wonderkid’, wanted by Manchester City, Real Madrid and others. With a new contract signed this summer, Monga will be looking to make his mark in the senior game.
Leicester City’s First Team Ready ‘Wonderkid’
Who Is Jeremy Monga?
Capped at youth level for England and a prominent figure at all age groups for the Foxes, Monga is one of the most talked-about talents across the country. At just 15 years old, he consistently stole the show for City’s U21 side, having tallied five goal contributions. Due to this, he often trained with the first team and even made the bench at Old Trafford in a 2-1 FA Cup defeat.
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After continuing to impress, the winger eventually earned his Premier League debut against Newcastle United. Without a sponsor on his shirt and whilst completing his GCSEs, Monga was coming one-on-one with some of Europe’s finest stars like Trent Alexander-Arnold. By the end of the season, he tallied over 100 Premier League minutes and came agonisingly close to a winner at the City Ground.
When talking about the youngster, manager at the time, Ruud Van Nistelrooy called him a ‘special talent’. Due to the game time, Monga committed his future to the club this summer, in the process rejecting some of Europe’s top clubs. Following on from this, the forward has returned from the summer as one of the Foxes’ best players and has stolen the show this pre-season.
How Jeremy Monga Plays
The Englishman is an incredibly versatile wide-man, with the capacity to be a threat all across the front line. As he is ambipedal, Monga offers unpredictability and can play off either side. Despite being more comfortable on his right foot, he can also utilise his left when cutting inside or getting to the byline. When discussing his preferred position, the attacker even said he can play the 10, which further emphasises his versatility.
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When looking at his attributes, Monga is incredibly talented on the ball. He is an explosive winger who constantly wants to run at his man and make things happen. Similar to teammates Abdul Fatawu and Stephy Mavididi, he is very direct and can be a handful for any full-back. Strength and power are a major part of this success, especially as he looks so comfortable against players almost double his age.
Ball carrying is one of the most refined aspects of his game, as he displays close control and quick feet. Due to these talents, he excels both in tight spaces and when under pressure, which further exemplifies his importance as an outlet. The flair and skills on display are also refreshing, especially as he utilises them so often. As a result of this quality, teams have doubled up on him and can often only produce fouls.
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Even off the ball, Monga shows many bright signs. In the lead-up to a fantastic goal against West Ham, he constantly scanned before taking on his man and slotting it home. Furthermore, when against his full-back, he displays intelligence in gaining separation and then having the confidence to subsequently take them on.
Why Jeremy Monga Will Be Key to Leicester City
Marti Cifuentes’ high-pressing, direct style of football has proven to help the youngster, as he has stood out in the two friendlies already played. The Spaniard likes fluidity within his frontline, which suits him perfectly, as he can play through the centre or either wing. These changes throughout a game could unsettle the backline and provide fresh problems to full-backs.
In addition to this, wide-men hug the touchline and maximise width, with the hope of creating one-versus-one situations. This is where the 16-year-old flourishes as his unpredictability causes severe problems: he can cut inside, get to the byline, and utilise his flair. These situations were prevalent during the recent clash with Bundesliga side Koln, as it led to them doubling up.
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Another way in which Cifuentes’ tactics can get the best out of his talent is through wide triangles. This is when the winger, attacking midfielder and full-back on each side rotate between each other, which further puts Monga in dangerous areas. He is able to combine with teammates making runs in the half space or even drift there himself.
Finding quick solutions when under pressure further highlights the intelligence that Monga has, which could be an asset against low blocks. With the quality within this City side, and the way they steamrolled the Championship last time, coming up against deep blocks is something to expect.
Potential Concerns
After seeing Monga up against senior professionals, he constantly faces fouls. With how physical the English game is and the vast amount of games, limiting injuries will be important. Look at other wingers like Neymar who, at the top of his game was one of the most fouled players in Europe, has since suffered from severe injuries.
Another concern may be over output, and whether Monga can reach the top numbers this season. In the previous season under Enzo Maresca, both Fatawu and Mavididi tallied over 18 goal contributions, which is a significant level of output. Although he is still yet to find the net for the senior team, he has had chances.
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He could have found his first assist on many occasions in pre-season, but the likes of Daka and others couldn’t beat the keeper. Therefore, the output is clearly there as his ball striking and shooting techniques are refined, but the circumstances often let him down.
A final problem that may occur is defensive work. Cifuentes demands a great amount from his players in terms of pressing and tracking back, which may give other options the upper hand. Kasey McAteer and Fatawu certainly stand out for their defensive contributions, as the pair have been in the top 15th percentile for tackles and clearances.
