Leicester in defeat just hours after transfer window close as Enzo Maresca project looks far from a balanced settlement
Leicester were grand favourites for a win at home to Hull, but The Tigers surprisingly took home all three points after a goal from former Maresca pupil at Man City, Rory Delap. The goal of Delap really shows the problem of this team, showing too little agression as control, calmness and possession looks the priority.
Enzo Maresca and his Italian approach makes it easy to see his idea, being patient and tire out the opposition with constant pressure, but this time it was not working, but he must be very disappointed to see his team lose at home to a well organized Hull City, that had done their homework.
What we have seen from Kasey McAteer this season so far, is a player in the making, one to count and his progression is huge so far, also love the involvement of Callum Doyle, showing his worth and talent. Wout Faes is also showing gand quality being the best player on the field yesterday, with good passing, going forward and really trying, good to see him staying as the pivotal player in the back.
Conor Coady will probably be a good addition to the team when he comes in, but surely Jannik Vestergaard has really shone in his absent, and could still be valued and in use also when Coady is back. He might be a player that in some situations can look exposed, but still his passing ability and height makes him one to count. Enzo Maresca is a clever reader of the game and he will see what is needed to take his project forward.
Yesterday and what we have seen so far is a midfield area that too often miss those penetration passes and also play the ball to much out wide, instead of straight forward. If you look at Man City and how their players move, and how the pockets forward are found, Ndidi, Winks and Dewsbury-Hall do not have the ability to do the same, especially questioning Harry Winks as his distribution looks “too safe” and little or nothing happens, hopefully he will get things correctly, because at present you do not have the creativity needed.
Cesare Casadei is a player very different from James Maddison, brilliant at Spurs at the moment, but still the young player on loan from Chelsea, should soon become a starter, and would have given Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall a rest as his contribution and match form confuses. He often fall out of games and his momentum is far from what is needed to hold this midfield in balance for 90 minutes.
Wilfred Ndidi is the one that has been rested when Casadei has been brought on, but at this time Ndidi should be trusted as his experience and flexibility looks to be a key for Maresca going forward. The fact that Dennis Praet is out, gives Maresca little flexibility wiht only Hamza Choudhury left as an alternative.
Yunus is a new and interesting addition, but with Mavididi, Marcal, McAteer, Albrighton and Fatawu also available in those wide attacking positions, you will be in limbo keeping everyone happy.
The goalkeeper situation is a also a bit of a farse and yesterday Mads Hermansen shows his lack of range as opponents soon will figure out how to get the ball in behind him. The use of James Justin is also strange, and of course something to address with him able to play in several positions in the back line.
Leicester have a good amount of points on board allready, but it has in real been a struggle for those points and not any job or quality seen that can convince anyone, not yet. Possession is huge and hopefully this will continue, but it needs to be converted with more goals.
The situation regarding Harry Souttar and Patson Daka must also be solved with both players of quality that should see them as contenders of places it they are to stay on.
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