Premier League team introductions: Leicester will once again aim for the Champions League

The Foxes are one of the teams that have been able to disrupt the dominance of the Big Six. And quite significantly so. In the last two seasons, Brendan Rodgers’ team has repeatedly finished in 5th place and narrowly missed out on Champions League participation. Vardy and co. are aiming for a similar position this time around, but the competition is huge. There are also a few unpleasant obstacles in their own ranks standing in their way. How will they deal with Fofana’s serious injury? Will Madisson leave? Will this be Leicester’s 3rd successful season in a row?

The last 2 league seasons have been in a very similar vein. Unfortunately for Leicester with an equally inglorious ending. The 2020/21 league season was a very good one for Vardy and co. The team was once again well prepared, footballingly entertaining, the team was pulled forward by the ageless Jamie Vardy.

The Foxes took great advantage of the fact that a lot of top teams were struggling and nestled in the top 4. They occupied the Champions League spot for most of last season. This time they seemed to be keeping an eye on it and not allowing a similar failure as the previous season.

However, even Leicester were hit by a case of performance. They lost 3 of their last 5 games to finish the season and eventually finished in 5th place. They missed out on the Champions League by just one point. It was a huge disappointment for the team, even so it was one of Leicester’s best seasons in years. However, the disappointment of the league was soon replaced by the joy of a great triumph. Leicester managed to sensationally win the FA Cup, winning the trophy for the first time in the club’s history.

Rodgers’ team was able to build on this recent success less than a week ago. They beat Manchester City in the English Super Cup to claim their second trophy in as many months. Thus, it can be said that they have already accomplished and can go into the upcoming season in an ideal frame of mind.

The pre-season expectations will be similar to previous years. Resist the onslaught of other English hegemons and fight for a top 6 finish. Also, go as far as possible in the Europa League and confirm the dominance of English clubs in European competitions. The few exciting reinforcements the club has brought in should help them to achieve these ambitions.

Talented midfielder Daka, defensive shield Soumaré and left back Bertrand have joined the team. Fuchs, James and Ghezzal have left the team. Wes Morgan, one of the club’s biggest icons, retired. The foxes on the transfer market are definitely not finished yet. Vestergaard will soon be the next reinforcement, filling the place of the long injured Fofan. There is also talk of Madisson leaving, which is coveted by Arsenal.

Arrivals – Daka, Bertrand, Soumaré, Vestergaard

Departures – Fuchs, James, Ghezzal, Morgan

Strengths of the team

The team has stuck together for a long time, the players know each other. It has a great game system, ideally tailored. It will rely on its main movers and shakers, including Schmeichel, Soyuncu, Tielemans, Barnes and Vardy. The composition of the attack is also very interesting.

In the past it was mainly about Vardy, for whom coach Rodgers’ team had no suitable alternative. This is different now. The presence of new acquisition Daka and goal scoring Iheanacho gives the Foxes very interesting options. The attacking number one will continue to be Vardy, who even at his age is still very good and most importantly productive.

Weaknesses of the team

Leicester have been hit by some very unpleasant news during the preparation. The promising stopper Fofana was seriously injured and will be missing until 2022. This is a huge loss for the team, this player was one of the best players of the team in the previous season. A question mark hangs over how the Foxes will fare without his presence in the lineup.

Newcomer Vestergaard will take his place. The team may also be affected by the possible departure of Maddison, which would be a noticeable weakening. Other opponents know what to expect from coach Rodgers’ team, there is no risk of underestimation. There will also be more pressure on them, which Vardy and co. have to deal with.

The injury to Fofana and the potential loss of Madisson could put a big dent in Leicester’s pre-season plans. Despite that, this team will be very dangerous again. An assault on the top 6 is certainly realistic. If the new signings catch on, there could be another assault on the Champions League. Expect offensive, likable football from Vardy and co to get them properly high again.

It will also be interesting to watch their journey in the Europa League, in which they will be looking to go further than last season. Leicester are once again one of the teams to watch. And that’s for several reasons. The main one is whether they can stand up to the huge competition and once again disrupt the dominance of the far more famous English hegemons.

Source: Transfermarkt