A long season of fixtures are finally over for the U.21 (Development) and a few left for the U.18(Academy) team, as coaches Ben Petty and Adam Barradell has to analyse their performances, having a new and exciting season coming up. We have taken a look at it all as young players has progressed and of course reflecting on results accomplished.
The U.18 team played Chelsea in a recent fixture. Leicester scored two goals, but had to see a 3-2 defeat in the end, as it now counts three defeats in the kast three. But at this level you need to look at other aspects than just results.
Development is of course the key matter and we hopefully will see players progress. Goalscorers vs. Chelsea, Bobby Amartey and Kirsten Otchere has also had their opportunities in the U.21 set up, doubling up and playing in both teams, makes it a total of games that reach a major tally.
The coach, Adam Barradell has a job to do, to get more concistency into his camp, as the academy at Leicester will be more important than ever, not being able to buy whatever is needed. A number of players will next season be moved up, some moved out and new players to appear in this group.
The U.21’s has enjoyed the return of Sammy Braybrooke and Will Alves. Both local players still in their teens with a bright future in front. Being used carefully towards the end of the season after being out with severe injuries for almost a year, they are now back and results have improved lately for the U.21’s. Ben Petty is also under the same pressure as Adam Barradell of delivering results, but also in need of having a group not as much plagued with injuries. Recent results shows good development, winning their two last games home to Stoke (3-1) and away vs. West Ham (3-0).
Wales u.21 international Oliver Ewing scored two goals vs. Stoke. The third goal came from 19 year old Logan Briggs, also a very promising young player. Briggs joined Leicester City in May 2023 from East Fife, for whom he made one senior league appearance.
One massive boost for Ben Petty was also the availability of Marcal Madivadua, who we all would have expected to play more in the first team, or being pushed out on loan, but he remained and his presence has been huge for the U.21 team.
Leicester fielded a very strong side in their last game vs. West Ham, also having Ben Nelson in there, as we certainly did see a team of great performers. Also in the field Cover and Raikhy who both have featured in the first team this season.
Of course interesting to look for the retained list of all of these young prospects. Hopefully the club will be able to get the best out of those decided to be given a further life at the club.
The U.18’s have two games still to play before they can take their well deserved vacation, playing Fulham on the 1st of May and final fixture on the 11th of May vs. Aston Villa.
U.21 vs. West Ham; Young, Nelson, Wormleighton, Marcal, Raikhy (Briggs 52), Cover, Braybrooke, Alves (Pennant 84), Ali (Lindsay 53), Thomas, Popov (Richards 69)
Unused: Bousor
Booked: Nelson, Raikhy, Braybrooke, Thomas
U.18 vs. Chelsea; French, Joseph, McAlinney, Gray (Ononaye 63), Khela, Neale, Amartey, Otchere, Page (Dyke), Omobolaji (Manga 73), Evans (Donnelly 80)
Unused: Donohue
Booked: Evans, Donnelly
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