NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
Will this be Leicester’s strongest season in the Premier League since their 2016 Championship?
How tameable if at all, are Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes this 2019/20 Premier League season? Not so much is the short answer.
Leicester reacts to Leicester City's Premier League Title Success on May 03, 2016 in Leicester, England.
(May 2, 2016 - Source: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images Europe)
Be afraid, be very afraid!
With Arsenal on the ropes and down on the floor, a familiar foe was standing right over their carcasses; Jamie Vardy. Two goals for the English international in a 3-0 victory for the Foxes meant that the Gunners had officially become his favorite customer. With a tally of 8 goals against them in the Premier League, against no else has he scored more. Rodgers' boys had not only inflicted a third loss in three matches for Emery's charges; but pulled off a Thanos and the magical stones on them. With 3 snaps of the fingers, more of rippling of the net in this context, Arsenal's hopes of finishing in the top four had vanished into thin air, almost at the speed of Leicester light or sound of their red agonies. The Foxes themselves had almost nothing to lose but plenty of pride to gain. A top 7 finish was almost out of reach given how well Wolves and Everton had performed in the preceding month leading to the fixture. Rather, on that 28th of April 2019, a bloody message had been imprinted on plain tables with the claws of a Fox, "they were coming for all of them when the season restarts." This time not as Foxes wearing sheep clothing, as they did in the 2015/16 when they won the Premier League title with odds of 5,000-1. But as the real deal, untamed and unleashed!
Statistically 3rd best in the Premier League?
Back to the main question, could 2019/20 really be Leicester's strongest season since winning the title in 2016? Well, the short answer is an emphatic yes! Just for kicks, since the appointment of former Liverpool manager in February of 2019, only champions Manchester City and European champions Liverpool have won more Premier League points than the King Power residents. Not a bad company to keep. If we are to extrapolate this historical data, we learn that it's pretty realistic for them to finish 3rd behind the aforementioned two. Not to worry, we are not putting all our eggs in that one basket, there is more wind in their sails, but first; let's look at how they've started.
“Upfront, we all know what they’ve got; some good old English speed and killer instincts in Jamie Vardy. The befitting introduction to this piece. The 32-year-old scored 14 goals in 17 Premier League appearances since the arrival of Rodgers on March 3. Only Aubameyang and Mane came close to that record with 12 goals each. ”
Jamie Vardy and James Maddison of Leicester City applauds fans after the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Leicester City at Anfield on October 05, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.
(Oct. 4, 2019 - Source: FELIPE TRUEBA/Getty Images Europe)
Foxes don't false start
At the time of writing this piece, Leicester were in 4th place, just two points off second-placed Manchester City. It had only been 8/38 games into the season but the table quite accurately told how the 20 teams had fared. The Foxes in particular could have been higher up the pecking order given their performances had been miles, better than the results. That rampant display against Arsenal at the close of the 2018/19 season was indeed no clouds without rain. In their first 8 matches of the new campaign, they lost only two.
A narrow 0-1 lost at Manchester United and 1-2 away at Liverpool. In the latter, the Reds actually needed a 90+5 Milner penalty to get all 3 points and register a successive 17th Premier League win. They were unlucky not to get a win at Chelsea after coming from behind to take the game to the Blues and eventually secured a point. At home against Tottenham, the Foxes soundly beat the 2019 Champions League finalists by a 2-1 scoreline. Also included in the 8 games is an emphatic 5-0 win over Newcastle. Clearly, they look more than ready for the challenge. Super competitive against the big guns and ruthless when matched up with the so called lesser opposition.
Wilfried Ndidi of Leicester in action during the pre-season friendly match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City at Molineux on July 29, 2017 in Wolverhampton, England.
(July 28, 2017 - Source: Michael Regan/Getty Images Europe)
A well balanced and vicious squad
The mix is just right. It's no fluke that they've performed the way they did. After Manchester City and Liverpool, Leicester arguably boast of the most balanced squad. Forget the price tags, star names and focus on the word "balanced." Let's actually look at how they line-up. Even after losing Harry Maguire to Manchester United in a world record deal for a defender, Johhny Evans and Caglar Soyuncü look like a good combination of experience and youth. No wonder they've conceded only 7 goals, a 2nd best record in the division after Liverpool and tied with Sheffield United.
The modern game is all about full-backs flying up and down the flanks, and the Foxes have two of the best in the division. Ben Chilwell who is mostly preferred by Gareth Southgate in the current England setup and the dynamic Ricardo Perreira who recorded the 4th highest tackles in the league last season. Wait, did we forget Schmeichel? The skipper goalkeeper needs no introduction and his sure displays in goal has him continue staking a claim among the best there is. From the middle of the park and going forward, they're even better. All of the 22-year-old Nigerian international, Wilfried Ndidi who has consistently and statistically been among the top two tacklers in the league since the 2017/18 season, the £40 million signing in Youri Tielemans and Newcastle top goal scorer from last season in Ayoze Perez; provide depth and options. Time will not allow us to exhaust the insurmountable talents of Harvey Barnes, Hamza Choudhury, Demarai Gray, Marc Albrighton or the man from Sampdoria, Dennis Praet and maybe everyone's favorite, the puppet master who pulls all the strings, James Maddison. But the point is more than clear, their midfield is loaded!
Upfront, we all know what they've got; some good old English speed and killer instincts in Jamie Vardy. The befitting introduction to this piece. The 32-year-old scored 14 goals in 17 Premier League appearances since the arrival of Rodgers on March 3. Only Aubameyang and Mane came close to that record with 12 goals each. Even as a backup, the former Manchester City and Nigerian forward in Kelechi Iheanacho could be lethal enough if afforded the opportunity. It get's even more interesting when we learn about the ingenuity of the man who organizes them.
Brendan Rodgers, Manager of Leicester City celebrates victory with Wes Morgan of Leicester City after the Premier League match between Leicester City and AFC Bournemouth at The King Power Stadium on March 30, 2019 in Leicester, United Kingdom.
(March 29, 2019 - Source: Michael Regan/Getty Images Europe)
They've got Rodgers, Brendan Rodgers!
Let's get one thing clear, joining Leicester is not a step up for the Irishman but a step up for the club. Brendan Rodgers' CV is up there for everyone to see and his talents are no strange to the Premier League. Jurgen Klopp is not the first man to bring Liverpool within touching distance of the league title since 1989-90, Rodgers did it in the 2013/14 campaign. Only needing two wins to clinch the coveted prize, the Reds blew up a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 at Crystal Palace that effectively handed the Premier League title to Manchester City. How good a job the now 46 year-old had done in that race cannot be overemphasized. He bloodied the likes of Raheem Sterling and set-up Luis Suarez for worldwide success.
Rodgers' next job at Celtic was more silverish and fruitful, winning the Scottish treble twice between 2016-18 In all, he left Scotland with 7 titles in 3 years to his name. In feeding their ambition, calling upon the tactician is almost as good an appointment as it gets. Even more, Rodgers himself returns with a slight knack to prove a point in the Premier League after Liverpool gave him the sack. It's the intersection of ambition. Little wonder they've already upped their game; the manager knows the league, knows how to win and has great experience working with young English players which Leicester have in abundance.
If you want be a little bit cynical, you could argue that amongst the so called big 6 teams, perhaps only four have better managers as per their CVs. United's Solskjaer and Chelsea's Lampard have been barely tested but we won't hinge on that, knowing it doesn't always work like that.
Right place at the right time, as traditionally top sides falter
Leicester as a club tested the highest glory, liked the smell and have always been back for more ever since. They've sacked managers such as the Premier League winning manager himself, Claudio Ranieri, Craig Shakespeare and Claude Puel for doing only enough to stay in the top flight. Their boldness has perhaps seen fortune knocking on their door. For the first time in quite a number of years, the traditional big 6 sides look shaken.
Jamie Vardy of Leicester City (l) celebrates after scoring the first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St. James Park on September 29, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
(Sept. 28, 2018 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
Obviously not Liverpool and highly doubtful of City even after starting the campaign very strangely losing to Wolves and Norwich. Manchester United are languishing in the bottom half of the table and their young and unbalanced squad look like they would have punched way above their weight if they finish within the top 6. It looks like 3rd place will be Arsenal's to lose as we may need rocket science to understand what's really going on at Tottenham, and the young Chelsea side look no better than the Foxes. Wolves who finished above Leicester last campaign look burdened by Europa League commitments and West Ham seem decent with record signing Sebastian Haller up top and the talents of Yarmolenko, Lanzini somewhere in the mix; but even Premier League winner in Manuel Pellegrini is still pondering on how to fix his defence. What about other last season's big performers in Everton and Watford? At this point, they both look like they are fighting just for their lives. The former were in 18th place after 8 games and the latter rock-bottom in 20th, courtesy of non-existent strike force and managerial crisis respectively, howbeit amongst many other things.
Foxing their way through
With all of an extremely talented and balanced squad, tactically astute manager, an ambitious board and the vulnerable state of state of the top 6, the stage looks set for the 2015/16 Premier League champions to fox their way through. Well, except if other sides exponentially improve their performances. At this rate, the Foxes are unlikely going to wait for that to happen but rather continually go for the jagular!
English Premier League: Who will challenge for European football?
The world’s favorite league is back with bang. Eager to look at who will likely finish above the rest this campaign? We got you, we have rounded most of the promising sides who could push for titles and European football in the new season.
Bernardo Silva of Manchester City celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's third goal during the Group F match of the UEFA Champions League between FC Shakhtar Donetsk and Manchester City at Metalist Stadium on October 23, 2018 in Kharkov, Ukraine.
(Oct. 22, 2018 - Source: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe)
This week saw the 2019/20 EPL season kick off and needless to say the race for the title has begun. The league table has already started tallying points and we can finally start talking league standings, silverware and of course, European football. Last season England set its mark on Europe last with exceptional class acts that gave us two all English European finals and the Super Cup match up. The top teams will once again take their ambitions to Europe where English teams have once again become a force to be reckoned with. Promising summer windows for some of the clubs including Arsenal, Everton and a nonexistent one for Chelsea after a ban from the transfer window and also looking at the pre-season form of the teams, we’ve had a peak at their fortunes this upcoming season and picked teams that have a chance of winning some European football next season.
POSSIBLE 2019/2020 TOP FOUR
Tottenham Hotspur
Last season finish: 4th
The combination of having more elite players and managers has propelled the once more average teams into big powerhouses. Tottenham represents this metamorphosis better than any other; the emergence of the club as a top flight club in Europe has been due to over the years have put in some quality efforts and consistency from the North Londoners. Mauricio Pochettino’s men look set to bag another top four finish, a fact that seemed inconceivable only a few seasons ago. In fact, Arsenal fans made St. Tottenham’s Day, in celebration of something that seemed so routine for years; finishing above Spurs in the league. Undoubtedly, Spurs have handed Arsenal fans a bitter pill to swallow while simultaneously gaining prominence in Europe not only for their exploits in England but for a brilliant UEFA Champions League campaign and a first final in that competition. The season brings new challenges of whether they can hold on to talents like Christian Eriksen who is on the radar of big European clubs like Real Madrid. Champions League also on the agenda this season, Spurs will come out blazing in hopes to finally secure the league title.
“Last season, the newcomers did more than just turn a few heads, knocking a few egos along the way as well and managing an absolutely hard-earned seventh-place finish. Nuno Espirito Santo’s men will once more hope to ruffle the feathers at the top this season and qualify for Europe ”
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates with his tem mate Mesut Ozil after scoring his team's first goalduring the Joan Gamper trophy friendly match between FC Barcelona and Arsenal at Nou Camp on August 04, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain.
(Aug. 3, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)
Liverpool
Last season finish: 2nd
Last year’s UEFA Champions League winners Liverpool are the most successful English team in the European competitions. Yet at the moment, it almost seems as if Liverpool can have the most outstanding seasons with unbeaten runs and the most excellent formations and squads and still lose out in the dying moments. The second place curse, as it’s dubbed, is the cause of many frustrations for the YNWA faithful. However, Jurgen Klopp has in times past proven his managerial competence and last year’s UEFA Champions League win is enough evidence that Liverpool have what it takes to take the title this year. Breaking from this pattern of disappointing finishes in the league will be the main goal for Klopp. Liverpool are formidable against any side in the Premier League and with the club’s biggest assets still on the roster, they are undoubtedly close favorites to the title together with City.
Manchester City
Last season finish: 1st
Manchester City go into the season with the possibility of winning a third EPL title in three years straight. City are the most compact, have the strongest and solid attack; that is hardly frazzled champions of the English Premier League. City have been a winning formula and that still largely remains undisrupted. Jose Mourinho commented that he believed Manchester City’s B-team could quite easily challenge for the title. For starters, English international who can as well start on the bench, Raheem Sterling started the season with a hat trick against West Ham and more performances of that level from the forward can as well hand the Citizens yet another title.
Chelsea
Last season finish: 3rd
Richarlison of Everton celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton FC at Molineux on August 11, 2018 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.
(Aug. 10, 2018 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)
Frank Lampard’s Chelsea have received a blow to the start of their Premier League campaign. The 4-0 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford is as an undesirable outcome. Frank Lampard his youthful side do not have the experience warranted to deliver Chelsea their title hopes. Despite this, Chelsea is definitely one of the teams that have the biggest potential, ironically because of the fresh talent in the squad. Lampard has a big task with Chelsea and together with his youthful side, all have something to prove. The rebuild for Lampard will take some time and as such we should not expect much from them. Chelsea will need to work on giving the young players the confidence they need to play at the level of the EPL. They might end in the top four if there the experience of other long standing players on the squad comes to the party.
Arsenal and Manchester United
Last season finish: 5th and 6th
Arsenal and Manchester United’s Red Devils are likely to be beating down at each other’s doors again this season gunning for a top four finish against their much solid counterparts. Unai Emery and Arsenal lost to Chelsea in the final of the 2018/19 Europa league, showing that they do have the world class players they need to inject the much needed attacking potent but a shambolic defence. Arsenal may now have a real chance with Nicolas Pepe, the club’s record signing coupled with Aubameyang’s goal scoring prowess and David Luiz’s defensive experience. After going on a signature spending spree that saw United signing Harry Maguire, Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka for £146million, the main goal would be to finish in the top four. After managing to revive United’s fortunes last season, all eyes will be on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to see if he can take United into a future where they once again dominate the EPL.
PONTENTIAL FROM OUTSIDE THE TOP SIX
Diogo Jota of Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea FC at Molineux on December 5, 2018 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.
(Dec. 4, 2018 - Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe)
Everton
Last season finish: 8th
Football in Europe is the crowning of any English club into the club of champions which has been exclusive to the top six. A team that unsurprisingly could shake up the top four this season are Everton. Shaking things up is Everton, who have set themselves up for a strong chase with their summer signings. Marco Silva’s new personnel are likely going to play significant role in the club’s European football ambitions. One of them is Moise Kean, the nineteen-year-old striker from Juventus, who is one of the most promising young talents in Europe at the moment. Kean’s signing from Juventus has been seen as the remedy for Everton’s attack which has not been the same post Lukaku’s exit to Old Trafford in 2017. Nigerian midfielder, Alex Iwobi joins former Arsenal teammate Theo Walcott at Everton. Iwobi’s £28 million move to the Blues has come at a time for him to prove his impact in the big game and will be eager to prove his worth. Andres Gomes from Barcelona also joins the Blues to round off a brilliant transfer window for Everton. The Blues are likely to shake be knocking on the top six’s door if they perform to the standard.
Jamie Vardy of Leicester City (l) celebrates after scoring the first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St. James Park on September 29, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
(Sept. 28, 2018 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Last season finish: 7th
Merciless and on the chase for a spot in European football next year. Wolves will be looking to bash it out with the top six. Last season, the newcomers did more than just turn a few heads, knocking a few egos along the way as well and managing an absolutely hard earned seventh place finish. Nuno Esperinto Santo’s men will once more hope to ruffle the feathers at the top this season and qualify for Europe once more after nudging their way into the Europa League this season courtesy of Manchester City’s double qualification as league winners and FA Cup victors. Wolves have had a busy summer, releasing and signing new players including club record signing Raul Jimenez from Benfica who will stay on permanently after a succesful loan spell last season and Patrick Cutrone from AC Millan.
Leicester City
Last season finish: 9th
Leicester City manager, Brendan Rodgers maybe the right man to take the Foxes into a top six finish. The manager has been focused on creating a top flight team for Leicester City once again. The transfer window was a chance for the former Celtic manager to rebuild the squad after departures by key players such as Riyad Mahrez. This summer, Harry Maguire’s move to Manchester United for £80 million exposed Foxes to another loss of a key player. However, signings of Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans who spent last season a loan from AC Monaco and striker Ayoze Perez from Newcastle could cover some of the gaps. Leicester City talisman and top goal scorer Jamie Vardy will provide the experience while the addition of young energy into the squad will allow for a dynamic squad that could potentially qualify for the Europa League next season.
West Ham
Last season finish: 10th
Declan Rice of West Ham United celebrates scoring the winning goal with team mates during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on January 12, 2019 in London, United Kingdom.
(Jan. 11, 2019 - Source: Marc Atkins/Getty Images Europe)
West Ham who also managed to finish in the top half of the table last year. The question is how will they fair against the big teams this season. After a disappointing start to the season, losing to Manchester City 5-0, the Hammers will look to rebuild their confidence with wins against smaller teams lined up. West Ham had moments where they looked like a top 10 team last season, beating out Manchester United and Arsenal. The Londoners have however suffered a blow to their attack after losing Arnautovic to the pull of the Chinese Super League. Manuel Pellegrini’s task this season is undoubtedly to fish out the quality performances from the team in the face of the bigger teams in the league. The former Manchester City manager has to make crucial improvements in the back which will serve Hammers well in their campaign. West Ham could edge up wards in the league, only if luck would have it.
The Premier League is set to be a magnificent one. With 380 matches this season, with the bulk of them still to be played, there’s a long way to go before we crown the league champions. If past Premier League seasons are anything to go by, it’s a road packed with dramatic goals, unexpected injuries that get in the way.
Comment with the team you think will take the title this year?
The rebirth of Ghana’s Jeffrey Schlupp
Upon becoming the Premier League champions in the 2015/16 season, Leicester City released the Ghanaian fullback to Crystal Palace. After months of playing second fiddle to many players, Schlupp has cemented his place in Palace’s midfield, courtesy of Roy Hodgson’s faith in the 26-year-old.
“ It therefore came as no surprise when Schlupp beat Wilfred Zaha in the fans’ vote to pick up the Palace’s Player of The Month gong. ”
The adage “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” has an interesting way of playing itself out in real life. If Jeffrey Schlupp’s recent form is anything to go by, then Leicester City might have reconsidered offloading him two years back. The Ghanaian midfielder is certainly on a roll. Schlupp’s string of impressive performances have earned the in-form midfielder, the Club’s Player of The Month for February. The German-born Schlupp, who joined Palace from Leicester City in 2017, will hope to earn a Ghana recall ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in June-July, having last played for the Black Stars in 2017.
The 26-year-old has been a regular throughout the month and has impressed Roy Hodgson enough to command a starting berth in the middle of the park, holding off competition from Max Meyer and the fit-again Cheikhou Kouyate. Being back in the starting eleven has rewarded Schlupp handsomely, with the player scoring five goals this season in all competitions and topping that with a handful of assists. It therefore came as no surprise when Schlupp beat Wilfred Zaha in the fans’ vote to pick up the Palace’s Player of The Month gong. With Wilfried Zaha struggling to match his output for last term, and the likes of Jordan Ayew and Christian Benteke underperforming, Schlupp is emerging as an unlikely hero for Palace as they look to pull away from the hotly contested relegation zone.
Jeffrey Schlupp of Crystal Palace celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage on August 11, 2018 in London, United Kingdom.
(Aug. 10, 2018 - Source: Christopher Lee/Getty Images Europe)
Interestingly, Schlupp was amongst the goals during Palace’s opening match of the season against Fulham. Nonetheless, the player was in and out of the side during the latter part of 2018. As was the case at Leicester, where he was often overlooked for Christian Fuchs, it appeared as though Schlupp had failed to convince another Premier League manager that he was a worthy, regular starter in the top flight. Ironically, that has changed over the course of the season as Roy Hodgson has heaped praise on the underrated midfielder. Commenting on the 26-year-old’s resurgence off late, Hodgson said “I believe in him as a left-back, I believe in him as a left-sided player and I believe in him as a left midfield player in a three because he has a lot of qualities.”
Many will remember Schlupp as one of the first players to leave the Foxes after winning the Premier League in the 2016/2017 season. During his two years with Leicester, Schlupp managed just four goals, but he has already surpassed that tally this season alone as he had five goals as of end of February 2019. Now, filled with loads of confidence, and clearly taking responsibility as some of Palace’s bigger names lose their way, one would be forgiven to think that Schlupp’s fine run of form is most likely to continue.
Do you think the versatile Ghanaian international is underrated?
U-20 AFCON: Amajita secure an elusive world cup spot
The U-20 African Cup of Nations is almost drawing to a close and South Africans will be delighted to learn that their side has sealed a place at the world cup finals. Nigeria, Senegal and Mali complete the list of Africa’s representatives in the May finals.
The performance of South Africa’s national team is certainly rubbing off to the country’s other teams. Amajita, the South Africa’s men under-20 side followed in the footsteps of women’s national team and sealed their place at the FIFA under-20 World Cup for the second successive time. This comes after they triumphed over Burundi in their final group game at the ongoing AFCON under-20 championships in Niger, finishing second and ultimately sealing their world cup spot.
Amajita reached the semifinals of the Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations on Friday with a 1-0 victory over Burundi. It is the fourth time the country has qualified for the global showpiece and a second in succession after they appeared at the last tournament in South Korea 2017. The World Cup is set to take place in Poland from the 23rd of May to 15 June this year. Having qualified from the group stages, Amajita will now face off against Senegal in the AFCON semi-finals and South African coach Thabo Senong will be looking to his troops to battle against the West Africans and edge closer to bringing home the AFCON title.
Coach Senong commenting on the team’s achievement of achieving one of their milestones alluded to the fact that the team would not be complacent with their performances but rather fight to win the AFCON title. In his words he said, “I truly believe that it can be done. I think the players will relax a bit now and play their good game because the first mission, qualifying for the World Cup, has been accomplished. Now we are gunning for gold.” With Amajita in high spirits, the team have put themselves in the running for the prized possession and one can fancy them of being serious challengers to the likes of Nigeria. Buoyed by the presence of star players such as Leicester City’s midfielder Khanya Leshabela as well as Portugal-based Kobamelo Kodisang, the team appears to have enough quality to cause problems for Senegal and go all the way and win the tournament.
More importantly is the progress that the various South African national teams have made in recent times. With Banyana Banyana having paved the way and sealed their spot in the women’s FIFA World Cup, and Bafana Bafana also somewhat in the running for a spot in the men’s AFCON tournament in Egypt later this year, Amajita’s achievement might as well be considered as an icing on the cake.It demonstrates the efforts made by the various football stakeholders in South African football which have worked hard in improving the country’s various national teams.
“Amajita reached the semifinals of the Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations on Friday with a 1-0 victory over Burundi. It is the fourth time the country has qualified for the global showpiece and a second in succession after they appeared at the last tournament in South Korea 2017. The World Cup is set to take place in Poland from the 23rd of May to 15 June this year.”
Giant slayer & African studded Leicester take aim at Liverpool
With more than 6 African players available for selection in Liverpool and Leicester’s Premier League meeting, we could be treated to an AFCON 2019 ‘warm up match’ away from the continent.
The English Premier League enters matchday 24 from Tuesday all through Thursday, the 30th of January 2019. As usual, they are a couple of scintillating fixtures available to the lovers of the game but one stand out matchup should be that which has the Foxes of Leicester City visiting those “who will never walk alone,” the Reds of Anfield.
The narrative
Eden Hazard of Chelsea speaks to Mohamed Salah of Liverpool ahead of the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on September 26, 2018 in Liverpool, England.
(Sept. 25, 2018 - Source: Getty Images Europe)
Liverpool enter this fixture sitting pretty at the top of the league, four points ahead of champions, Manchester City and have an opportunity to extend their lead to seven clear points. After a thoroughly entertaining and dominant first half of the season that saw the Reds complete 20 matches unbeaten, conceding only 8 goals and scoring the league’s second highest tally of 48 goals, they have had to recently learn how to grind results. Liverpool’s most recent 3 premier league matches have been far from convincing but have the word champions written all over them. After losing to Manchester City 2-1, Jurgen Klopp’s men had to dig deep at Brighton as they secured a precious 1-0 victory courtesy of the Egyptian, Mohamed Salah’s goal. They once again showed character and grit to narrowly see off Crystal Palace 4-3 at home, with Salah getting a brace to go top of the scoring charts ahead of African counterpart, Aubameyang. It won’t be any easier for the Reds who welcome struggling Leicester who have an impressive record of humbling the top sides of English football.
The Foxes have lost 4 of their last 5 matches in all competitions and pressure may be once again mounting for their gaffer, Claude Puel. The last time Puel got under pressure of being sacked is when he pulled off the miracle of beating Chelsea 1-0 away from home and Manchester City, 2-1 in the following fixture. Now, they also have Manchester United and Tottenham waiting in line after the Liverpool game and won’t be letting all of the 3 pass by without securing at least a point.
“ The 22-year-old Nigerian is as consistent as they come and remains one of the EPL’s top tackling midfielders with a total of 72 tackles so far in this campaign. Only Senegal’s Idrissa Gueye has had more in the midfield position at 83 tackles and defenders, Ricardo Pereira and Wan Bissaka completing the top four tacklers list with 82 and 80 respectively. ”
Their arsenal
Wilfried Ndidi of Leicester in action during the pre-season friendly match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City at Molineux on July 29, 2017 in Wolverhampton, England.
(July 28, 2017 - Source: Michael Regan/Getty Images Europe)
In recent weeks, tenth placed Leicester have had to rely heavily on the Nigerian international, Wilfried Ndidi in central midfield, who has been guiding relatively newcomers, Nampalys Mendy and Hamza Choudhury in that position. The 22-year-old Nigerian is as consistent as they come and remains one of the EPL’s top tackling midfielders with a total of 72 tackles so far in this campaign. Only Senegal’s Idrissa Gueye has had more in the midfield position at 83 tackles and defenders, Ricardo Pereira and Wan Bissaka completing the top four tacklers list with 82 and 80 respectively. Going up front, Leicester’s conservative approach that saw them register wins against Chelsea and City relied on the counter attacking pace of Jamie Vardy who has scored in all of his last 5 premier league appearances against Liverpool. Algerian, Rachid Ghezzal also provides width and commendable technical ability to the front line that is also supported by English international, James Maddison. Nigerian forward, Kelechi Iheanacho has always been a great backup plan to Vardy or an excellent supporting forward when asked to play with the former having already contributed 1 goal and 3 assists in 9 starts this campaign
Liverpool’s star studded squad needs no extra commendation, what they have achieved so far is reason enough not to doubt their devastating abilities. The Reds faithfuls will be happy to hear that Virgil Van Dijk and Wijnaldum could be available for selection after they had missed out training because of sickness and a knee problem. Mohamed Salah will be seeking more as he is now just 2 goals shy of becoming the fastest Liverpool player to reach 50 premier league goals, surpassing Fernando Torres who did it in 72 appearances. Salah has only played 49 matches, so far.
Why you should watch this one?
With all of Guinean Naby Keita, Senegalese Sadio Mane, Egyptian Mohamed Salah, Nigerian Wilfried Ndidi, Algerian Rachid Ghezzal and Super Eagles’ Kelechi Iheanacho available for selection, there is a huge prospect of witnessing an “AFCON 2019” warm up match away from the continent.
10 Africans unsettled in the English Premier League: #7 Daniel Amartey
The January transfer window is a few weekends away. In our anticipation and excitement of possible moves, we have taken to lay down 10 “unsettled” African stars in the English top flight, the Premier League. The Ghanaian EPL title winner with the Foxes back in 2015/16 season is the seventh man on the list.
Leicester player Daniel Amartey in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St. James Park on September 29, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
(Sept. 28, 2018 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)
Of course, it is nice to see the likes of Mo Salah, Percy Tau and Hakim Ziyech shine for their nations over the most recent international break but it also raises questions about some popular names who are finding themselves in sticky situations. There are a number of African players dubbed to be the next Sergio Ramos and Xavis of this world but are currently unsettled at club level. Their potential is endangered by their lack of game time. Here’s a list of the XI players whose progress has stalled. What better time to look at these than now when the January transfer window is fast encroaching?
CM: Daniel Amartey
We all know the importance of versatile players in the squad who can come in and get the job done in the absence of specialists in that specific position. Leicester FC have their own in Daniel Amartey who is comfortable playing out of position in the right-back and centre-back roles. The problem comes when the player is then seen as just a stop-measure for that position and not as an expert in their own field. For example, Amartey is now being seen in the RB position more than in the midfield after the club invested in other “dirty” workers like Wilfred Ndidi and Nampalys Mendy.
Verdict: It looks unlikely that the 23-year-old will usurp Ndidi, so he should consider making the right-back position his own like Lauren did in Arsenal’s Invincibles season.
FT World Cup Focus: Does Nigeria have three reasons to ‘Kelechi’ (Thank God)?
Leicester City FC Forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, Arsenal Kelechi Nwakali and the Nigerian fan, Kelechi Anyikude represent three factors that could prove crucial in Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World campaign and the future of Nigeria football as a whole.
In Nigeria, particularly in the Igbo tribe, Kelechi happens to be a very common name given to children coming into this world. Loosely translated, the name means “thank God” or “glorify God” that speaks to a people expressing gratitude to a Higher power for the blessing in form of the child born to them. In the football media, we have been recently exposed to three Kelechis. Do they perhaps resemble the three positives that the green and white army can be cognizant of heading into the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia next month? Let us find out
Kelechi Iheanacho
The Leicester striker joined the foxes in the summer of 2017 from Manchester City in a £25 million which made him the third most expensive African player at the time, after Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah’s transfers to Liverpool. He had become famous for scoring goals from the bench at City, becoming the most prolific Premier League scorer in history at 1 goal every 96 minutes, a ratio higher than the likes of Thierry Henry and Sergio Aguero.
Things did not, however, go as planned at Leicester in the 2017/18 campaign as he continued to fall out of favor with coach Claude Puel for the better part of the season. Iheanacho got a nod from the coach in the closing stages for the season and did put in some applaudable performances, including a fine strike in Leicester’s win over Arsenal. For the entire campaign, he made only seven EPL starts but scored 3 goals and registered 3 assists, not bad at all for a striker. In my humble opinion, the 21-year-old is not too far away from being a seasoned goal poacher who would not become as great as Okocha but will certainly provide goals for his country and club when they need them the most. He is poised to make it to Gernot Rohr’s final 23-man squad and I strongly believe that he can deliver the goods for the Super Eagles if given the chance.
Kelechi Nwakali
He is the kid who has recently made the headlines after a man of the match display in Nigeria’s 3-2 loss to Atletico Madrid as part of the GOtv Max cup clash. Nwakali steered the Super Eagles in front on the 31st-minute mark by curling a beautiful shot into the net, beyond the reach of Jan Oblak. The 19-year-old has actually been crafting such crazy performances for quite some time now especially at the Dutch side MVV Maastricht where he is on loan from North Londoners, Arsenal. Prior to joining the Premier League club, Nwakali captained the Under-17 Super Eagles side to a 2015 FIFA World Cup title, winning the Golden Ball Award in the process. He is still yet to make an Arsenal debut and could soon join his compatriot, Alex Iwobi in the Gunners first team.
Even though he was not selected to be part of Rohr’s provisional 30-man squad for the World Cup finals in Russia next month, Nwakali represents a tantalizing prospect of youth who could continue building on Nigeria’s momentum and restore the nation’s position as a footballing powerhouse after the June finals.
Dr. Kelechi Anyikude
Popularly known as Kelechi, the Arsenal fan has become known for fanatically backing the Gunners. The Ph.D. holder currently resides in the United Kingdom and considers himself an Unofficial Nigerian Ambassador, Environmentalist, and SDG Advocate. He is a regular on the Arsenal FanTV YouTube channel and a symbol of the funny, opinionated and widely outspoken fan who is not shy to express his feelings. He sings and dances a lot on the channel using his native Igbo language and also shouts when times are rough.
Kelechi will be fully backing the Super Eagles team in Russia and his energy represents the population of Nigeria fans who are known for assuming the role of the 12th player with purpose and pride. Pre-orders for the Nigerian Nike kit has reached over a record 3 million and you are guaranteed that in Russia and elsewhere around the world, the Super Eagles fans will be behind their heroes. Could the off the pitch hype aid Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign success?
World Cup Rush: Iheanacho next in line for Leicester’s No.10 role
Nigerian international, Kelechi Iheanacho who plies his trade with English top flight side, Leicester City; is tipped to end the season on a high as he sets his eyes on being part of Gernot Rohr’s final 23 man squad for the FIFA World Cup Finals in Russia. Kelechi has struggled to get some consistent game time since moving from Manchester City in a £25 million deal in the summer. He has scored five times in 23 appearances inclusive of only ten starts in all competitions since moving to the King Power Stadium. This lack of game time at his club might have somehow influenced the extent of his role in the Super Eagles squad as Rohr used him mostly as a substitute in Nigeria’s world cup qualification campaign.
There is new hope for the Nigerian to make a statement before the season comes to a close as Leicester City boss, Claude Puel hinted at trying him out on the No.10 role as opposed to his familiar No.9. It’s a position that Puel has not been satisfied with even after deploying Riyad Mahrez and Demarai Gray in it. Could the 21-year-old ace it ahead of Okazaki and build some momentum to be considered for a crucial role in Nigeria’s squad for Russia 2018? Nigeria could actually benefit from having more attacking options since they have not been very good going forward.
“I think until the end of the season it will be an opportunity for different players to play and take some habits, perhaps to give a good solution. We know all the hard work from Okazaki, for example, and, in the last game, Kele had good intensity and quality. Yes, Kele is a young player he can have game time, he can improve and give a good option for the future. We will see. We have different options and it is interesting to try.” - Claude Puel, Leicester City Manager
Leicester City will play Crystal Palace on the 28th of April where Kelechi could start for the foxes in the No.10 position.
EPL returns: Iheanacho could play for Leicester with broken hand
Leicester boss Claude Puel is still depending on the Nigerian striker
Super Eagles and Leicester forward, Kelechi Iheanacho suffered a broken hand whilst on international duty for his country in the midweek friendlies. The 21-year-old featured in Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Poland when he sustained the injury but couldn’t take part in their 2-0 humbling by Mitrovic’s Serbia.
Kelechi returned to England on Thursday and the Leicester boss, Claude Puel confirmed the injury pointing out that its gravity would need to be assessed before their Saturday match against Brighton.
"I think he fell. It's not an important injury. We will see if this injury prevents him from playing in this game. Perhaps it might be strange for him to play with a cast." - Claude Puel, Leicester City Manager
Iheanacho joined the Foxes in the summer from Manchester City in a 20 million pound deal but has struggled to get regular game time, starting only 3 times in his 12 appearances for the club in the EPL scoring once. He has thrived in cup competitions where he played six times scoring four goals.