Leicester played in a 4-2-3-1 formation against Shrewsbury from League One, changing from a 4-4-2 vs. Villareal, both games won with the same margin, 2-1. Leicester had the opportunities to put the game to bed long before the final whistle, as they played as if they were meeting a team higher in the league tiers.
Still waiting for five players to return, being involved in international action during June, so obviously difficult to see how this will look going a few days forward. With the media talking up Matias Soule and other different options to consider, we believe that two or three players will be added to the squad before the season start, depending on departures, we could see even more players coming in.
The key to it all is of course how Steve Cooper will play his young players. Michael Golding, Will Alves and Ben Nelson, as well as Jamaica international Brandon Cover, all being involved in both games so far, Cover even starting vs. Villareal.
Rumours about Mads Hermansen and a possible move to Chelsea is still circulating, as we soon will find out how the situation will be regarding the Danish shotstopper. The goalkeeper situation is still one difficult, if a bid in the region of £45million reaches the club, not selling would be foolish, but will the other alternatives to use, be trusted at Premier League level, or do Leicester need to go into the transfermarket to find a solid replacement.
Daniel Iversen was not given minutes yesterday, giving Danny Ward the gloves for the whole game. Jacub Stolarczyk is said to be out injured with mixed messages regarding the length, hopefully he will return sooner than the worst scenario talked up, said to be six months.
As we have seen in previous seasons, late sales in the window has disturbed balance in the squad. We can see the same happening this season, hopefully not, but reading owners attitude, they will not step out of deals that feels good financially as we did see with Wesley Fofana and Danny Drinkwater, either leaving late or on the last day of the transfer window.
We love to see the progress of Will Alves, Ben Nelson and Kasey McAteer, hopefully they will be seen as long term alternatives and not leave on permanent deals elsewhere. Recent rumours linking McAteer with Luton, Hull and Cardiff, looks very strange. At this point we cannot see McAteer leaving, even if he is not a regular starter, he will be close to the eleven selected. Getting game time under Steve Cooper will not be an issue, surely he will play and be part of this set up.
Ben Nelson and Will Alves are two other players with huge potential but possibly a bit further away from starting positions. Still we believe they are to be counted. Could see Ben Nelson leaving on loan if a Championship club comes around. Will Alves hopefully will be given a chance to play a part this season and grow into that player we know he can become.
So from the perspective that Leicester played a 4-2-3-1 system yesterday, with different movements going forward changing it, but that is football, players needs to switch positions and move in different directions going forward, if not you will not be able to score goals, this game is not static.
We will most certainly see changes in systems and set up’s under Steve Cooper, and not surprised if he will juggle his defence from four to three, even at times go for a 4-4-2 or having 4-3-3 in place, looking at his pragmatic set up in the past. We would of course like to see a settled system, instead of a lot of juggling.
The squad build up in 4-2-3-1
Goalkeepers: Hermansen, Ward*, Stolarczyk*
Right backs: Pereira, Justin*
Left backs: Thomas*, Kristiansen
Central defenders: Coady*, Vestergaard, Faes, Okoli, Souttar
Defensive midfielders: Winks*, Ndidi, Choudhury*, Soumare
Attacking midfielders: -, De Cordova-Reid*
Flank midfielders: -, Fatawu, Mawadidi*, McAteer*
Forwards: -, Vardy*, Daka
There are uncertainty regarding Victor Kristiansen and Mads Hermansen, both being linked away as they can be sold for major transfer fees. Soumare is also a player that could be seen as a selling option, so still a lot of uncertainty. Daniel Iversen is a player that, if Mads Hermansen staying, most certainly will be sold. A deal with Derby could happen, for a nominal fee. Marcal Madivadua is seeking more game time and has expressed a desire to play regular first team football, possibly getting a loan somewhere, selling would be too early as his potential is far from explored. Tom Cannon is also a player seen as a potential loan man, certainly not a player to be a first choice alternative up front in Premier League. Harry Souttar is also one that could be leaving, but still a player that if injury strikes is a dependable man, having the stature and qualities to grow into a Premier League regular. 11 players mentioned as squad members above, carry home grown status, seen as *, 8 is needed, or the number of players in the squad must be reduced.
Nelson, Cover, Alves, and Golding could all be involved, but will not fill up the group of 25, due to their age and home grown status.
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