Leeds Game - Mendying the Midfield

I don't think Perez is the answer period, I'm disappointed that Brendan hasn't taken this opportunity to give Ian a run of games to see whether he can cut it up front. The apparent lack of any credible plan to replace Vardy is concerning.

Still, Brendan gets paid the big bucks to make these difficult choices and he's not doing too badly at the moment!

Oh and in regard to the headline topic, note what you say but for me if N'didi is fit (I know he isn't) he starts the game. Hopefully this match will indeed prove a suitable canvas for Mendy to ply his artistry.

I could see what he was trying to do with Perez at Everton with him dropping under and then wide and attacking midfielders popping up in the number 9 position. Albrighton and Justin both received the ball on the edge of the 6 yard box from open play. It’s like we were trying to play like Man City but we just don’t get the consistency with wide men getting in and one less central runner with Tilly sitting deeper, not to mention Evertons compact defence

Against Leeds I think it’ll work better with the wide men hugging the touch lines and then coming in diagonally as Perez drops to sit on their central defender who is the passing pivot. But although Albrighton got there once and made a couple of other moves to occupy the 9 position against Everton it wasn’t often enough. I’d play Pereira as we know more what he can do and he likes to get into the box, Under as second choice but while he has a spark I’m not convinced he’s as tactically aware.

So yes if we play wide men cutting in and moving ahead of the striker as soon as we win position I think we’ll have forward balls. Especially as Leeds full backs push high leaving space behind (similar to what Everton where trying with us).

Was thinking the same thing about Mendy as well as a better fit for this game!

I’m of course not saying that Mendy is a better player than Ndidi, but I do think we can rest Wilf against teams that press high.

Agree with everything you say Cupcake. I don’t think we will see Pereira start but that is a good option as the game goes on.

If we do play Perez, for me Maddison needs to be dropped and that’s not likely. Nacho to start ahead of Barnes and Maddison for me.

I thought you were leading up to suggesting Demarai Gray in you last paragraph, Mersey.

It looks like Rodgers has now given up on Iheanacho. Like Gray, I don’t think this is an issue with individual ability, more that he can’t improve him or get any tactical awareness out of him. When Iheanacho comes on, he can only play his own way, not with any thought to a greater plan. I think that’s why Rodgers is playing Perez - he at least will take instruction.

Dungeon agree. I think Perez is more tactically astute on the press as well. His numbers were good for winning the ball high up the pitch for Newcastle and on our right. There were quite a few messages saying he doesn’t press as well as Vardy but I think he did well. Vardy doesn’t sprint to close down the majority of the time, that press is more about position and shape than it is space. We maintained the shape and position against Everton and won the ball back. When I see Iheanacho play he’s often in the wrong place on the press

Good result at Everton. Chances for us to pull away from the chasing pack!

Perez or Ian - it’s two bald men fighting over a comb really. Neither is the long term answer to a post Vardy Leicester.

Brendan is going with Perez because he gives us a plan B. Just like we went to three at the back when we had all the defensive injuries. Perez is now doing the job as a false 9 rather than trying to replace Vardy like for like. I think he’s done ok or, maybe, not so bad that you’d think Ian would do any better.

I’m a little surprised that people are so keen to drop Albrighton again. We’ve lost 5 games this season and 4 of those were when Marc didn’t start. I’m not suggesting that his absence was necessarily the reason, but it’s often underestimated what balance he brings to the team. There is an argument that you shouldn’t play him against a team that plays a low block as Under’s direct running might break lines more effectively, but that’s not Leeds style.

Please can we also leave Barnes as a wide player and Ricardo as a full back. They’ve both proved incredibly effective in those positions and we’ve got other options elsewhere. Ricardo starting when fully fit is arguably our best team and, maybe, Soyuncu over Fofana too.

Mendy has had a bit of a breakthrough season this time around, which is notable given his age and the length of time he’s been here. You don’t fret so much when Wilf is out and you see his name on the team sheet, but since N’didi’s return I’d forgotten quite what a beast he is. He would definitely be starting for me if fit.