Good post as always Dunge. Pretty much in agreement (but for a couple of small details).
So I’ll talk about the elephant - how do you solve a problem like Ndidi?
Now, for me it’s simple. You stop asking one of your best players to play in a way they can’t. Fine so that with your more fringe players and if they can’t adapt to faciliatate the best players in your team then they leave.
But I’m my view, Ndidi should be one of the first names on the team sheet, and the team built around him. Vardy is another.
Finally finally finally Puel tweaked things so we actually get anything of value from Vardy and look what happened. Now is like to see him do the same for Ndidi.
I think there are two options. Give him and more free role to push forward and ask Gray/Albrigton to drop in if he did, but I think that would expose the back 4.
The other option is 3-4-3, where Mendy would be fine spotting a back 3 alone and Ndidi can play his more natural game. If Puel has finally decided to evolve from the ineffective slow build up game he was trying, maybe he’ll be up for experimenting more with the formation.
But I’ll be clear, Ndidi was one of our best players last season. He hasn’t become a bad player overnight.
As for the Watford banner, it was a wonderful gesture and executed perfectly. I’m pleased the club recognised them in some way and it will certainly bond our fans in future as well. A huge thank you from me.
I think it’s worth pointing out that Albrighton has been dropped by pretty much every manager that’s come through the door in his time here, and he’s worked his way back in to the team every, single, time.
What a professional he’s been for our club. He’s a typical 7/10 player. Rarely above, but importantly never below and as reliable as they come.
He’ll never be remembered as one of the greatest Leicester players, but he’s certainly been one of the most consistent.
Well played Mr Albrighton.
I would agree with that Mersey.
I've never been Albrighton's biggest fan but you are spot on with your assessment. A credit to Leicester City.
Thanks to the Watford fans for their great gesture.
Generally agree with the ratings as usual, but for me the elephant in the room is Ricardo, an excellent right winger, would probably make a brilliant wing back if we ever played such a formation, but does not look like a right back. Several times in the first half Watford just breezed past him as if he wasn't there; with better finishing they would have at least got something out of the game.
Morgan. He's been a great player for us but needs to be taking more of a back seat with the youngsters being brought on. Why he stays on the pitch instead of others bothers me - is it because he is captain or genuinely the best option (worrying if so) or something else?
Claude and the tactics. Every now and again we see flashes of what Leicester could be. I suspect that the change in approach to this game came more from Watford's high pressing stopping the dreadful slow ineffective build up with an isolated Vardy we have to usually suffer - we'll see what happens against Fulham, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to see the emphasis back on possession. I have to admit being quite frankly bewildered as to how we have got to the lofty heights of 8th on 21 points before Christmas, although I am grateful for that whilst Claude tries to rebuild the team.
Incidentally, can anybody explain to me exactly what is the Puel plan?
Agree with all of that nuneaton. I think Puel’s plan, is to set us us to play possession football, with slower build up but hurting teams in between the lines.
The way Man City do today, and how the Arsenal invincibles played.
The problem I have with this is two fold:
1. I only think you can be successful playing that way with top class players up front, whereas we have Demarai Gray.
2. It doesn’t suit any of our key players. Maguire, Perierra (where your points are valid and again I think he’s a great player being utilised incorrectly), Ndidi, but most of all Vardy are just wasted in this system. You could argue only Maddison benefits. So that’s our best 3 players in my book who suffer rather than thrive.
So, it was pleasing to see the change yesterday and if Puel is willing to evolve our style to one more suited to success in the premier league and the players we have then I’m happy to evolve with him. Stick to a rigid 4-2-3-1 with slow build up and for me, he can go now.
I guess time will tell, but yesterday and the game we switched to a back 3 gave me hope.
I know that Vardy has just signed a new contract but sources from Real Madrid have suggested he was offered to them for 45 million Euros but they've rejected the offer due to his age.
It is apparent that Vardy doesn't suit Puel's style, or the other way round, Pule's style doesn't suit Vardy which I'm sure the majority would agree with.
So for me the Elephant in the Room is whether Puel really wants Vardy, so far would suggest he doesn't but we're even more lost without him.
Is the fee a way of Puel moving for someone who would suit his style, not sure who, someone who doesn't fall asleep waiting for the ball or a chance to score?
To defend Puel,
He switched to a formation and style similar to what made us successful and actually, in some ways this showed what personnel he has added to it.
I think Ndidi has just not been as good this season. I’m not sure that is down to Puel directly.
Obviously, if we go and completely change everything against Fulham, drop Albrighton, change the formation, etc then questions will be asked again.
But to be fair, other than zonal marking at times, based on yesterday’s game, he picked the exact team AND formation AND tactics that a lot of people would have gone with. We worked quickly to try to get the ball back most of the time and be more direct and attacking. I don’t think Puel can be blamed for a low accuracy in passing success from the players on the day. If Ndidi and Maddison work on this, that becomes less of a problem. I also agree with Puel playing Ndidi and Mendy both as holding (although Mendy is actually quite proactive at getting around the pitch to win the ball) as this was a huge problem when we lost Kante and we have a much more creative, but also defensively limited, player in Maddison so we need that protection even more.
If puel wants to replace vardy with a more suitable striker for his formation,
I think he'd be intelligent enough to buy said striker first before getting rid of him,
And er 45million 😂
I think a few premier teams would happily pay more even at his age
I don't think anyone can argue Puel got it right yesterday but we've had false dawns before, was it a one off or a change in philosophy?
five games without defeat eighth in the League whats there to complain about we need a bit of stability and constancy its not flash but its working.
I would argue that no striker is suited to Puel’s system. Gray played there and looked isolated. Nacho looked isolated. Okazaki looked laughable.
For every single striker to come in to that number 9 role and be totally isolated tells me it’s not the number 9 that’s the problem.
It’s laughable that Puel would play a false 9 as well. Spain and Barca are the only teams to ever successfully do that because they had 4-5 of the greatest midfielders in the world between them. Since then, even top clubs have tried and failed at it.
We need to keep Vardy and find a way of giving him more service. Yesterday was the first step.
comment by Nevsaysagoal2city (U5194)
posted 2 minutes ago
five games without defeat eighth in the League whats there to complain about we need a bit of stability and constancy its not flash but its working.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Don’t think anyone would disagree Nev. in my mind Puel should and will get to the end of the season as a minimum.
Yep in terms of points on the board you can’t complain. Most of the time it’s fecking boring though
Interesting points here and I can’t really argue with the ratings too much.
I’m actually happy with mid-table this season. Apart from the League title season we’ve always been flirting with relegation. It would be good to have a solid season somewhere in the middle. Puel is currently delivering just that.
Yesterday was the first time that we looked linked as a team. Maddison seemed to have realised how to play with Vardy and Albrighton did what he always does. The less effective of our front four was Gray, but he’s probably guaranteed a good run as he’s still better than any of the alternatives have shown.
This is beginning to look like a settled side. For me, Ricardo has his best game at RB and Mendy continues to justify selection.
So, despite this optimism, why don’t we feel more positive? Personally I don’t see Morgan as being the weak link that others do, but still think it sensible that others are transitioned into the side. Soyuncu looks capable and Evans has settled. Also I’m not sure whether N’Didi is just out of form. He’s still very young and developing as a player - or is it a problem that we have two, essentially defensive, midfielders in this system and he’s less sure of his role? The other worry was that this performance, whilst looking like one of the least disjointed of the season, appeared to be built on the qualities that I thought we were trying to evolve from. Was this a on off or an acknowledgement that a change in direction is required?
I’m somewhat confused by it all. Nobody can claim that Puel isn’t delivering in terms of table position, but I’m still baffled when I try and understand our direction. I wonder sometimes whether Puel has a tendency to over coach or interfere in games too much; constantly changing personnel or formation or making decisions that baffle observers. In other words is he trying to be too clever at times? Or is he so much cleverer than me that I can’t work out his formulas? Either way I’m happy with our position, but why am I not as happy as I perhaps should be?
Either way I’m happy with our position, but why am I not as happy as I perhaps should be?
————————
Because something isn’t quite right Joby. Whether that is something that Puel is looking to fix, or whether it is that horrible start of the decline we all fear. See Southampton, Stoke, Leeds, Aston Villa.
I just worry it’s that. Hopefully it’s just because we’re a big flat at the minute. Yesterday goes some way to give me a big more confidence.
We went through some odd formations in the second half. I can understand Puel bringing Soyuncu on because we were conceding a lot of chances and a change was needed, but then putting what looked like an unpractised diamond in midfield just didn't work (a midfield diamond is one of the hardest formations to operate at the best of times). A flat 5-4-1 was at least an option to close the game down, although a 4-5-1 always looked a better option to me, which was what we ended up settling upon very late on. In the meantime we rode our luck and had to haul a centre half to made it happen, which isn't usually the best idea to protect a clean sheet. Overall, I thought the tactical changes in the second half were questionable and seemed to confuse the players somewhat.
Regarding Ndidi, the game on Saturday should have been more his gig, given that we were playing more direct football and there was theoretically less pressure on his possession play. But I thought his first touch was noticeably poor, often forcing him to play backwards when a technically stronger midfielder would have turned and moved the ball forward. I suspect - at least I hope - that it's a confidence thing that can be sorted with time, otherwise he's always going to be reliant upon midfield partners taking up the slack for his lack of proficiency on the ball at the top level. And alongside Mendy, who is capable but no more than that, he'll always end up being exposed on that front if he doesn't improve that side of his game.
I always look at Ndidi and feel that if he could improve the technical side of his game then he could be an excellent midfielder. But perhaps that's why there hasn't been the kind of interest in him from Champions League clubs that we might have expected - because they see him lacking in that area too.
I see Vardy is potentially injured with his Groin Strain still and Puel has hinted at more changes for the Fulham game.
Going on past form Albrighton will be dropped after have a Great Game.
Morgan and Evans also doubtful while Maguire also not ready to return.
Where’s Benny?
Vardy might need an operation!
Surely it’s time for Nacho to step up as a number 9 in Puel’s system?
comment by Merseysidefox (U4842)
posted 3 hours, 30 minutes ago
Surely it’s time for Nacho to step up as a number 9 in Puel’s system?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Come on nuneaton, be fair. Somebody needs to get hold of that number 9 spot, and the ability to score goals with no service and isolated from the midfield.
I think it’s Nacho’s time.
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posted on 2/12/18
Good post as always Dunge. Pretty much in agreement (but for a couple of small details).
So I’ll talk about the elephant - how do you solve a problem like Ndidi?
Now, for me it’s simple. You stop asking one of your best players to play in a way they can’t. Fine so that with your more fringe players and if they can’t adapt to faciliatate the best players in your team then they leave.
But I’m my view, Ndidi should be one of the first names on the team sheet, and the team built around him. Vardy is another.
Finally finally finally Puel tweaked things so we actually get anything of value from Vardy and look what happened. Now is like to see him do the same for Ndidi.
I think there are two options. Give him and more free role to push forward and ask Gray/Albrigton to drop in if he did, but I think that would expose the back 4.
The other option is 3-4-3, where Mendy would be fine spotting a back 3 alone and Ndidi can play his more natural game. If Puel has finally decided to evolve from the ineffective slow build up game he was trying, maybe he’ll be up for experimenting more with the formation.
But I’ll be clear, Ndidi was one of our best players last season. He hasn’t become a bad player overnight.
As for the Watford banner, it was a wonderful gesture and executed perfectly. I’m pleased the club recognised them in some way and it will certainly bond our fans in future as well. A huge thank you from me.
posted on 2/12/18
I think it’s worth pointing out that Albrighton has been dropped by pretty much every manager that’s come through the door in his time here, and he’s worked his way back in to the team every, single, time.
What a professional he’s been for our club. He’s a typical 7/10 player. Rarely above, but importantly never below and as reliable as they come.
He’ll never be remembered as one of the greatest Leicester players, but he’s certainly been one of the most consistent.
Well played Mr Albrighton.
posted on 2/12/18
I would agree with that Mersey.
I've never been Albrighton's biggest fan but you are spot on with your assessment. A credit to Leicester City.
posted on 2/12/18
Thanks to the Watford fans for their great gesture.
Generally agree with the ratings as usual, but for me the elephant in the room is Ricardo, an excellent right winger, would probably make a brilliant wing back if we ever played such a formation, but does not look like a right back. Several times in the first half Watford just breezed past him as if he wasn't there; with better finishing they would have at least got something out of the game.
Morgan. He's been a great player for us but needs to be taking more of a back seat with the youngsters being brought on. Why he stays on the pitch instead of others bothers me - is it because he is captain or genuinely the best option (worrying if so) or something else?
Claude and the tactics. Every now and again we see flashes of what Leicester could be. I suspect that the change in approach to this game came more from Watford's high pressing stopping the dreadful slow ineffective build up with an isolated Vardy we have to usually suffer - we'll see what happens against Fulham, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to see the emphasis back on possession. I have to admit being quite frankly bewildered as to how we have got to the lofty heights of 8th on 21 points before Christmas, although I am grateful for that whilst Claude tries to rebuild the team.
Incidentally, can anybody explain to me exactly what is the Puel plan?
posted on 2/12/18
Agree with all of that nuneaton. I think Puel’s plan, is to set us us to play possession football, with slower build up but hurting teams in between the lines.
The way Man City do today, and how the Arsenal invincibles played.
The problem I have with this is two fold:
1. I only think you can be successful playing that way with top class players up front, whereas we have Demarai Gray.
2. It doesn’t suit any of our key players. Maguire, Perierra (where your points are valid and again I think he’s a great player being utilised incorrectly), Ndidi, but most of all Vardy are just wasted in this system. You could argue only Maddison benefits. So that’s our best 3 players in my book who suffer rather than thrive.
So, it was pleasing to see the change yesterday and if Puel is willing to evolve our style to one more suited to success in the premier league and the players we have then I’m happy to evolve with him. Stick to a rigid 4-2-3-1 with slow build up and for me, he can go now.
I guess time will tell, but yesterday and the game we switched to a back 3 gave me hope.
posted on 2/12/18
I know that Vardy has just signed a new contract but sources from Real Madrid have suggested he was offered to them for 45 million Euros but they've rejected the offer due to his age.
It is apparent that Vardy doesn't suit Puel's style, or the other way round, Pule's style doesn't suit Vardy which I'm sure the majority would agree with.
So for me the Elephant in the Room is whether Puel really wants Vardy, so far would suggest he doesn't but we're even more lost without him.
Is the fee a way of Puel moving for someone who would suit his style, not sure who, someone who doesn't fall asleep waiting for the ball or a chance to score?
posted on 2/12/18
To defend Puel,
He switched to a formation and style similar to what made us successful and actually, in some ways this showed what personnel he has added to it.
I think Ndidi has just not been as good this season. I’m not sure that is down to Puel directly.
Obviously, if we go and completely change everything against Fulham, drop Albrighton, change the formation, etc then questions will be asked again.
But to be fair, other than zonal marking at times, based on yesterday’s game, he picked the exact team AND formation AND tactics that a lot of people would have gone with. We worked quickly to try to get the ball back most of the time and be more direct and attacking. I don’t think Puel can be blamed for a low accuracy in passing success from the players on the day. If Ndidi and Maddison work on this, that becomes less of a problem. I also agree with Puel playing Ndidi and Mendy both as holding (although Mendy is actually quite proactive at getting around the pitch to win the ball) as this was a huge problem when we lost Kante and we have a much more creative, but also defensively limited, player in Maddison so we need that protection even more.
posted on 2/12/18
If puel wants to replace vardy with a more suitable striker for his formation,
I think he'd be intelligent enough to buy said striker first before getting rid of him,
And er 45million 😂
I think a few premier teams would happily pay more even at his age
posted on 2/12/18
I don't think anyone can argue Puel got it right yesterday but we've had false dawns before, was it a one off or a change in philosophy?
posted on 2/12/18
five games without defeat eighth in the League whats there to complain about we need a bit of stability and constancy its not flash but its working.
posted on 2/12/18
I would argue that no striker is suited to Puel’s system. Gray played there and looked isolated. Nacho looked isolated. Okazaki looked laughable.
For every single striker to come in to that number 9 role and be totally isolated tells me it’s not the number 9 that’s the problem.
It’s laughable that Puel would play a false 9 as well. Spain and Barca are the only teams to ever successfully do that because they had 4-5 of the greatest midfielders in the world between them. Since then, even top clubs have tried and failed at it.
We need to keep Vardy and find a way of giving him more service. Yesterday was the first step.
posted on 2/12/18
comment by Nevsaysagoal2city (U5194)
posted 2 minutes ago
five games without defeat eighth in the League whats there to complain about we need a bit of stability and constancy its not flash but its working.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Don’t think anyone would disagree Nev. in my mind Puel should and will get to the end of the season as a minimum.
posted on 2/12/18
Yep in terms of points on the board you can’t complain. Most of the time it’s fecking boring though
posted on 2/12/18
Interesting points here and I can’t really argue with the ratings too much.
I’m actually happy with mid-table this season. Apart from the League title season we’ve always been flirting with relegation. It would be good to have a solid season somewhere in the middle. Puel is currently delivering just that.
Yesterday was the first time that we looked linked as a team. Maddison seemed to have realised how to play with Vardy and Albrighton did what he always does. The less effective of our front four was Gray, but he’s probably guaranteed a good run as he’s still better than any of the alternatives have shown.
This is beginning to look like a settled side. For me, Ricardo has his best game at RB and Mendy continues to justify selection.
So, despite this optimism, why don’t we feel more positive? Personally I don’t see Morgan as being the weak link that others do, but still think it sensible that others are transitioned into the side. Soyuncu looks capable and Evans has settled. Also I’m not sure whether N’Didi is just out of form. He’s still very young and developing as a player - or is it a problem that we have two, essentially defensive, midfielders in this system and he’s less sure of his role? The other worry was that this performance, whilst looking like one of the least disjointed of the season, appeared to be built on the qualities that I thought we were trying to evolve from. Was this a on off or an acknowledgement that a change in direction is required?
I’m somewhat confused by it all. Nobody can claim that Puel isn’t delivering in terms of table position, but I’m still baffled when I try and understand our direction. I wonder sometimes whether Puel has a tendency to over coach or interfere in games too much; constantly changing personnel or formation or making decisions that baffle observers. In other words is he trying to be too clever at times? Or is he so much cleverer than me that I can’t work out his formulas? Either way I’m happy with our position, but why am I not as happy as I perhaps should be?
posted on 2/12/18
Either way I’m happy with our position, but why am I not as happy as I perhaps should be?
————————
Because something isn’t quite right Joby. Whether that is something that Puel is looking to fix, or whether it is that horrible start of the decline we all fear. See Southampton, Stoke, Leeds, Aston Villa.
I just worry it’s that. Hopefully it’s just because we’re a big flat at the minute. Yesterday goes some way to give me a big more confidence.
posted on 2/12/18
We went through some odd formations in the second half. I can understand Puel bringing Soyuncu on because we were conceding a lot of chances and a change was needed, but then putting what looked like an unpractised diamond in midfield just didn't work (a midfield diamond is one of the hardest formations to operate at the best of times). A flat 5-4-1 was at least an option to close the game down, although a 4-5-1 always looked a better option to me, which was what we ended up settling upon very late on. In the meantime we rode our luck and had to haul a centre half to made it happen, which isn't usually the best idea to protect a clean sheet. Overall, I thought the tactical changes in the second half were questionable and seemed to confuse the players somewhat.
Regarding Ndidi, the game on Saturday should have been more his gig, given that we were playing more direct football and there was theoretically less pressure on his possession play. But I thought his first touch was noticeably poor, often forcing him to play backwards when a technically stronger midfielder would have turned and moved the ball forward. I suspect - at least I hope - that it's a confidence thing that can be sorted with time, otherwise he's always going to be reliant upon midfield partners taking up the slack for his lack of proficiency on the ball at the top level. And alongside Mendy, who is capable but no more than that, he'll always end up being exposed on that front if he doesn't improve that side of his game.
I always look at Ndidi and feel that if he could improve the technical side of his game then he could be an excellent midfielder. But perhaps that's why there hasn't been the kind of interest in him from Champions League clubs that we might have expected - because they see him lacking in that area too.
posted on 3/12/18
I see Vardy is potentially injured with his Groin Strain still and Puel has hinted at more changes for the Fulham game.
Going on past form Albrighton will be dropped after have a Great Game.
posted on 3/12/18
Morgan and Evans also doubtful while Maguire also not ready to return.
Where’s Benny?
Vardy might need an operation!
posted on 4/12/18
Surely it’s time for Nacho to step up as a number 9 in Puel’s system?
posted on 4/12/18
comment by Merseysidefox (U4842)
posted 3 hours, 30 minutes ago
Surely it’s time for Nacho to step up as a number 9 in Puel’s system?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
posted on 5/12/18
Come on nuneaton, be fair. Somebody needs to get hold of that number 9 spot, and the ability to score goals with no service and isolated from the midfield.
I think it’s Nacho’s time.
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