Leicester City: Three hopes, one fear

Hope #3: That Danny Drinkwater can take over for N’Golo Kante .

What made Leicester City so effect last season was the partnership at center midfield of Drinkwater and Kante. The duo work together seamlessly last season weaving passes into their opponent’s attacking half and finding opportunities for Mahrez and Jaime Vardy. Both players had breakout seasons last year which sadly led in part to Kante bolting for Chelsea.

For 2016-2017 all of the center mid responsibilities will fall to Drinkwater. The English international will be called upon to do more to help build the Foxes attack and may need to sit back more than he did last season. Drinkwater generally likes to play as more of a center attacking midfielder. But without Kante, who was a bit more of a defensive midfielder, he will need to play more conservative or risk giving their opponent’s too much space in the middle.

In terms of who will replace Kante as of right now that responsibility will fall to Andy King. Manager Claudio Ranieri likes to use a 4-4-2 and without any other center-midfielders on their roster King seems the most likely option. King has been with the club since their League One days. However, he seems to be most useful as a late substitute or as a spot starter. If there is one area that the club still needs to improve on during this summer transfer window it is center mid.

Danny Drinkwater had a stellar 2015-2016 season. But if this club is to contend for the title once again he is going to need to do more until the club can get him some help.

Next: The big fear: That the team doesn't have the depth to play in the Premier League and Champions League