Leicester: story so far, key players, why they can win
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Article summary
Underestimate Leicester at your peril! The shock Premier League champions have made a mockery of their domestic problems in an impressive debut campaign.
Article top media content
Article body
Story so far: Leicester
If last season's Premier League taught us anything, it's that you can never rule out Leicester. Their English title defence hasn't exactly gone to plan but progress in Europe has been serene for the UEFA Champions League debutants. They booked their place in the last 16 with a game to spare and then stunned Sevilla with a rousing comeback to reach the quarters. Next up: Atlético.
Record this season: P8 W5 D1 L2 F10 A8
Pivotal moment
The Foxes were on the ropes in their round of 16 first leg, trailing 2-0 and with only Kasper Schmeichel's brilliance between the sticks keeping them off the canvas. Then, with 17 minutes remaining, up popped Jamie Vardy with a reply from nowhere, his first goal in ten outings. There was still time for Adil Rami to hit the bar, but Leicester were right back in it.
Why this is Leicester's year
Normally you would discount UEFA Champions League newcomers flirting with domestic relegation and with an untried manager, Craig Shakespeare, at the helm. But this is Leicester.
Main attraction: Kasper Schmeichel – The Denmark No1 set the tone with clean sheets in Leicester's first four UEFA Champions League matches, and the 30-year-old then saved two Sevilla penalties over the two legs.
Rising star: Wilfred Ndidi – Winger Demarai Gray has shown glimpses of his talent but midfielder Ndidi has demonstrated more consistency, quickly settling into the starting XI following his January signing from Genk.
Unsung hero: Christian Fuchs – The Austria full-back is defensively sound and also adds a dimension going forward with his delivery from crosses and set pieces, and long throw. Leicester's class clown.
Top Fantasy points scorers: Kasper Schmeichel (45)