EPL: Rodgers needs Iheanacho, four others to fight Leicester City relegation war

Brendan Rodgers has five Leicester City undroppables he must build around in relegation fight.

There is new hope for Leicester City in their Premier League relegation battle, but they need key players to stay fit to ensure they steer clear of the bottom three.

While victory over Aston Villa and the performances of their three new signings have sparked optimism among fans, players and staff alike going into the final four months of the campaign, they cannot get ahead of themselves. Six more wins are likely to be needed for safety, and those are not going to be served up on a plate.

James Maddison:

Simply put, James Maddison is City’s most important player. His form over the past 15 months had made him such, but his recent absence from the team emphasised that.

He has provided goals and assists as part of consistently excellent performances. This season, he gave world-class displays in the wins over Nottingham Forest and Everton, proving he is still striving to reach new heights.

His ball control, game intelligence and attacking instincts mean he is the difference-maker for City. With Maddison in the team, there is always a chance of victory.

Kelechi Iheanacho:

Kelechi Iheanacho has been at City for more than five-and-a-half years and only once in that time has he been afforded a run of more than five straight Premier League starts. It’s time to let him have another.

His one previous stint in the line-up saw him net goal after goal and, since then, he has delivered on most of the occasions he has been given an opportunity. He deserves another, because if Tete and Harvey Barnes are in the team, he is the best striker to play with them.

He may not be as quick as Jamie Vardy or Patson Daka, but his hold-up play and his vision are better, while he has that knack of scoring too. He marries the attack together, and those up front with him should profit from his inclusion. It’s time to let him be City’s saviour again.

Tete:

Yes, he’s played just one game. But it is clear already that Tete will be integral to City’s attack. Nobody completed more take-ons in the Premier League than he did last weekend at Villa. That speed and intricate footwork in one-vs-one situations is going to be important for unlocking defences, but also stretching opposition back-lines and creating space for others.

He gives a greater balance to City’s attack and that should help every forward-thinking player to thrive. Rodgers’ side will be far more threatening with him on the pitch.

Tete celebrates after scoring the third goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Leicester City.
Tete made a goalscoring debut for Leicester City against Aston Villa at Villa Park. (Image: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Youri Tielemans

This new-look, exciting front four is all well and good, but they need someone to supply them with the ball. That’s where Youri Tielemans comes in.

There is nobody better in the City squad at providing progressive passes. In fact, Tielemans has provided the sixth-most in the division this season. Further to that, he is one of only three players to rank in the Premier League’s top 20 for both passes into the final third and passes into the penalty area, along with Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

City can also rely on him to do a lot of defensive work – and pop up with the occasional wonder goal. But his focus is to ensure that City’s attack receive the ball as often as possible.

Timothy Castagne

Tete’s arrival perhaps has a greater impact on Timothy Castagne than any other City player. Previously, City were lop-sided in attack, with their unorthodox right winger moving inside to allow the Belgian full-back to provide the width and penetrative runs on that flank.