Leicester City Thrive In Champions League
Leicester City were the story of last season’s footballing campaign. The Foxes who were fighting relegation the year before, stunned the world by winning the Premier League. This resulted in their direct qualification to the group stages of the UEFA Champions League.
Strong Start
It may only be Leicester’s first ever season in the Champions League but the Foxes have started excellently. Although one may argue that their group is relatively easy. The Champions League in the past has proved that no team is a walkover. Leicester currently sit first with 10 points ahead of former tournament winners Porto in a strong showing in Europe. Claudio Ranieri has clearly drilled into his team the prestige and importance of the Champions League. Leicester have also made the best start in Champions League history for a debuting team.
Change Of Style
While Leicester are known to play counter attacking football in the Premier League, they have changed their style while playing in Europe. The Foxes are usually very defensive in the Premier League and play deeper where the pace of Vardy is of significant importance. However, in the UCL, Leicester find themselves able to play with more freedom and possession. This enables Wes Morgan and Robert Huth to hold a higher line. At the same time, Marc Albrighton and Danny Drinkwater see more of the ball. The influence of Mahrez and Vardy is, therefore, greatly reduced. The signings of Islam Slimani, Ahmed Musa and Nympalys Mendy have also given Leicester a new dimension to their play.
Attacking Variety
Leicester may have dazzled us with their pace and counter attacking football last season but no doubt, they had a uni-dimensional style of play. After their success in the Premier League, the revenue and prestige that comes with it has been used to attract talented players. Islam Slimani has been one particular signing that has caught the eye. The Algerian adds a physical element to Leicester’s attack and has a fantastic chemistry with fellow Algerian Riyad Mahrez. Slimani is also a threat at set pieces with his height and physicality offering a significant upgrade on Shinji Okazaki and Leonardo Ulloa.
Ahmed Musa is another good signing from CSKA Moscow with his pace and power. The Nigerian is a fantastic option from the bench and offers depth. One thing for certain is Ranieri’s persistence with two forwards doesn’t look to be changing anytime soon.
Priorities?
While Leicester have started with a bang in Europe, their Premier League campaign has been far from dazzling. This has led to questions as to whether Ranieri has compromised in the Premier League. This was increasingly evident when key players were rested or subbed off in games prior to a midweek Champions League fixture. No doubt, this is a smart move from Ranieri. Considering the relatively easy group he’s faced with. Surely, Leicester have little chance of competing for the Premier League so they may as well look to perform on European Football’s biggest stage. Leicester should still, however, look to consolidate a Europa League spot in the next season.
Can Leicester Do It Again?
It seems inconceivable that Leicester could even make the semis of the Champions League, let alone win it. Having said that, with a group that they should comfortably top, they could very well do more than just make up the numbers. An easy round of 16 draw could mean that the Foxes could make a mark again and who knows… maybe they could pull off a Leicester.