Following Leicester’s spectacular 3-1 win against Ipswich Town, Oliver Skipp was once again the centre of the plaudits. The former Spurs midfielder joined City back in 2024, a controversial deal at the time due to the fee The £25m deal was among the frustrations of an unambitious window, where City failed to find a suitable replacement for Kiernan Dewsbury Hall. However, one year on and Skipp looks back to his best at the heart of the Foxes’ midfield. Therefore, here’s a look at his recent improvements and former winger Matt Piper’s thoughts.
Matt Piper Praises Oliver Skipp Following Ipswich Town Win
What did Piper say?
Coming into the clash against fourth-placed Ipswich Town, Skipp had started six of the last seven games. His performance against Sheffield United certainly stood out as he came on at half-time at centre-back, and managed to seamlessly fit in to the unfamiliar role. Against Ipswich, this form continued, which is all the more crucial considering he’s replacing the absent Harry Winks. Against the Tractor Boys, he tallied 42 passes, seven defensive contributions and five passes into the final third.
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This, of course, led to Piper’s praise at full-time. He said: “It feels to me like he’s got a new lease of life. He’s the number one now under Marti Cifuentes.” This level of praise to many City fans would have been unthinkable just a few months ago, as the 25-year-old was an unused substitute for the whole of October. However, performances and issues elsewhere have led to Skipp becoming a mainstay in the double pivot next to Jordan James.
In addition to the quotes above, Piper also praised his ability to dictate the game. He added: “He keeps it ticking”. This understanding of the game is one of the midfielder’s best attributes, especially as Leicester are currently enjoying less possession when he is in the side. Without Winks, the Foxes have become more direct, and Skipp’s role in adapting can’t be underestimated.
How Oliver Skipp Transformed His Season
Prior to his move to the King Power, the midfielder accumulated great experience. He played over 100 times for Spurs and was a regular at youth level for England. In his first season in the Championship, he immediately proved his quality by earning a spot in the team of the year, whilst also helping Norwich to the title.
Throughout his career, goal-scoring has never been a prominent aspect of his playing style. His one and only goal for Spurs came against rivals Chelsea back in 2023. Likewise, for Leicester, he’s managed just one goal, which came against Derby County last weekend. However, despite his lack of goals, Skipp makes up for these weaknesses with his hard-working attitude.
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He’s always willing to cover plenty of ground, which is helpful when City see much less of the ball. One of his best performances last season further suggests this as he played a major role in Leicester’s 1-0 win against Bournemouth. Similarly, earlier this season against Birmingham City, he also performed well, as Leicester saw less of the ball and defended resolutely for much of the game. One of Cifuentes’ sides’ biggest weaknesses this season has been defending transitions, which isn’t helped by Winks’ defensive frailties and lack of physicality. It’s evident Skipp suits the current style much more, and is continuously improving week by week.
Saul Isaksson-Hurst, a former coach of his even shared these thoughts when discussing how he could work under Ange Postecoglou. He said: “He had great technical skills, was very intelligent and had a really high football IQ, and a generally high IQ as well.” In addition to this, he also highlighted his physical attributes and how that could bode well with Postecoglu’s then-aggressive Spurs side. He added: “Physically, he was good as well in terms of his size – not necessarily the quickest at the time, but he was always one of the strongest. I think he suits the style of play that Postecoglou is trying to implement.”
IMAGO / Sports Press Photo
