Under performing players
Without diving too deep into my next point, Leicester City have not had individuals performing at the levels they were last season. They are not stretching down the wings, causing panic on the counter attack or putting themselves in front of the ball to block shots.
The linkup between Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez has not equally the level of consistency that they were able to achieve in the 2015-2016 campaign. Last season, Vardy went on to break Van Nistelrooy’s consecutive goal scoring record at 11 consecutive games. Ironically, Vardy broke the record at Old Trafford where Van Nistelrooy played for many years. This season however, has been less impressive with the English-striker only finding the back of the net five times and assisting his teammates twice, in 21 games played. Compared to last year, the Leicester-City man was able to score 24 goals for his side and provided six assists to his teammates in 36 games. Vardy also managed 115 shots last season compared to the 28 from this season.
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Another player that is failing to recreate last season’s achievements is the Algerian Riyad Mahrez. After holding meetings with Arsenal Football Club during the summer, Mahrez decided to commit his future to Leicester City and have another run at the top of the league. This season, Mahrez has scored three goals and managed two assists in the 22 matches he has seen. Whereas last season, Mahrez became one of Jamie Vardy’s main threats for the Golden Boot race as he managed to score 17 goals and provided 11 assists.
These are not the only two underperforming players that Leicester has had this season. Robert Huth, the large German defender, has looked a skeleton of last year’s dynamic performer. His defensive errors have begun to cost Leicester City dearly and Wes Morgan has not been able to carry the team on his back any longer.
Ranieri is the man responsible for picking the game day team-sheet but it is up to the 11 men on the pitch to repay that confidence in full, which they have not been doing much of this season.