BBC REPORT: Enzo Maresca’s astute judgment has resulted in Leicester City’s biggest turnaround

October 9, 2023 admin Other Clubs 0

Wilfred Ndidi set up goal for the third game running against Stoke as his renaissance continued as an attacking threat following two years of plummeting form in defensive midfield

Wilfred Ndidi was on the pitch for 13 minutes plus injury time during Leicester City’s 2-0 win over Stoke, and yet no player had more shots. All three of his efforts were inches away from going in, with one blocked near the line, another deflected over, and one headed just wide.

He then set up Jamie Vardy – maybe with an excellent pass, maybe with a wild fourth attempt at goal – for his third assist in three Championship games. The outing before that he won the penalty that earned City victory. In any other season, this would be unusual for a player who has made his name at the other end of the pitch. But not this year.

Now, after 14 games in all competitions, Ndidi has contributed to seven goals for City. Only Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (eight) has had a hand in more. Nobody would have thought that could be true a few months ago. In fact, very few thought there would be a role for Ndidi at City at all.

BBC REPORT: Enzo Maresca's astute judgment has resulted in Leicester City's biggest turnaround
BBC REPORT: Enzo Maresca’s astute judgment has resulted in Leicester City’s biggest turnaround

Get Enzo Maresca to explain exactly what he wants from each position in his City set-up and Ndidi of the previous six-and-a-half seasons does not fit into any of them. There is no role in Maresca’s team that asks for a bustling, long-legged destroyer to win tackles and interceptions. Now, the player at the base of the midfield is there to build the game. Harry Winks is the opposite of Ndidi.

But just when Ndidi’s career at the King Power Stadium looked to be over, Maresca got pragmatic. He was short on players to operate in the two number eight roles and saw attributes in Ndidi that he felt could work.

Now, 14 games in, Ndidi is one of only two players, along with Dewsbury-Hall, to have featured in every match. His tally of three goals – two in the Carabao Cup and one in the Championship – matches his best scoring season for the club

Speaking to the club after he waltzed around Southampton defenders to score at St Mary’s, Ndidi joked that he’d shown his “striker’s instinct”, sarcastically acting as if it’s the type of goal he scores every week. His reaction to scoring may be as pleasing as the goal itself. Watching Ndidi now, it feels like a weight has been lifted.

In the two years leading up to City’s relegation, most players suffered a drop in form, but perhaps none as starkly as Ndidi. City’s defence looked so vulnerable in part because Ndidi was no longer protecting them well. The number of tackles and interceptions he was making fell through the floor.

For so long, City had relied on Ndidi. The attacking players were granted the freedom to venture forward and take risks because they had the Nigerian behind them to bail them out. When he stopped providing security, not only did City’s defence look more vulnerable, but their attackers became scared to be inventive in case they set up counters for the opposition. That’s a lot of pressure on Ndidi’s shoulders.

Moving him into a forward area relieves that pressure. There is a freedom that comes with being a more attacking player, and one that perhaps the world isn’t expected of. The big, beaming smile is back. At the mention of Ndidi’s name, Maresca starts smiling too.

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