Former Leicester City striker Steve Howard believes that one first-team star is more crucial than any other member of the squad in the quest for Premier League surivial.
It’s been an up and down season for the Foxes, who are well and truly in a relegation battle.
Ruud van Nistelrooy faces a busy run of fixtures over the festive period and will need all of his best players available for the trio of tricky games.
Jamie Vardy’s goals in attack will help but Howard feels that there is one player who is more important than any other.
Steve Howard claims Mads Hermansen will be integral to Leicester’s relegation battle
Speaking on BBC Radio Leicester’s ‘When You’re Smiling’ podcast, the former Leicester talisman singled out Mads Hermansen.
The Dane has been one of the East Midlander’s standout performers this season, with Hermansen wowing Leicester supporters.
Hermansen made an incredible 13 saves against Arsenal earlier in the season and has been a near ever-present in the side.
Supporters were left concerned after it was revealed that Hermansen suffered a groin injury in the Foxes’ 4-0 defeat against Newcastle United last weekend and Howard admitted that it’s crucial that he is back in time for Sunday’s game against Wolves.
“He is a vital part of the team,” Howard said. “With the chances [we concede], you rely on your keeper. He’s got to be on top form every game.”
Mads Hermansen among the best Premier League goalkeepers in one key stat
Despite conceding plenty of goals, it’s not exaggeration to say that Leicester would be a whole lot worse off without Hermansen.
The 24-year-old has been almost flawless and nothing highlighted his importance more than when he had to be replaced last weekend.
Hermansen is second only to Brentford’s Mark Flekken for the number of saves made in the Premier League with 64, as per FBREF.
| Mads Hermansen 24/25 stats |
| Games played – 16 |
| Goals conceded – 31 |
| Saves – 64 |
| Save percentage – 67.7% |
| Clean sheets – 1 |
There is plenty of interest in Hermansen already, including from Chelsea, where former boss Enzo Maresca is keeping tabs on the man he brought to the King Power Stadium for £5m in 2023.