Leicester City have suffered a long-term injury to midfielder Wilfried Ndidi, but fear not, this could open up the door for academy talent Will Alves.
Enzo Maresca has galvanised a lot of players in his Leicester side, including full-back Ricardo Pereira, central defender Jannik Vestergaard and central midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.
While Pereira has adapted into his role as an inverted full-back, Vestergaard has developed into a colossal presence in defence and Ndidi has thrived in an advanced role this term.
The Nigerian is notorious for operating as a defensive midfielder, serving as a screen in front of the Leicester defence and earning plaudits for his tackling ability.
During their nine-year stay in the Premier League, there were times when Ndidi was one of the best defensive midfielders in the league, especially during their run to the FA Cup final in 2021.
Since Maresca’s arrival, however, the Italian deserves credit for playing the 27-year-old further forward, effecting the game in the final third as opposed to defending his box.
This has seen Ndidi produce four goals and six assists in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt, while forming a telepathic understanding with Harry Winks and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Unfortunately, Ndidi now faces up to three months on the sidelines and that is undoubtedly a big blow to Maresca.
Fear not, Leicester’s academy talent Will Alves can more than fill the void.
Who is Will Alves?
An 18-year-old attacking midfielder, who joined the academy at under 9’s level, Will Alves is one of many exciting young talents coming through the ranks at the club.
In October, Maresca outlined his excitement towards the midfielder after he was called up to the first-team training session with the Italian claiming he has “something special”.
Unfortunately for Alves, injury setbacks have prevented him from showing that special talent he has.
After making his first appearance in the Carabao Cup in December 2022 at the age of 17, the teenager suffered an ACL injury in an FA Youth Cup tie just days later, ending his season prematurely.
He made his comeback from injury in October, but just as he came close to making a Leicester first-team squad for the first time in year, a fresh muscle injury cruelly prevented him from doing so.
Alves is now the closest to returning to action of City’s injured players, having been spotted in training at the end of last week.
With that said, after hinting at giving him minutes in the senior squad, Alves could now profit from Ndidi’s injury.
Given the Foxes are 10 points clear at the top, they can afford to rotate and give their young players a chance.
Having made his debut at the age of 16 in an FA Cup tie against Watford, coaches at the King Power discovered his talent from a young age and he now deserves to show Maresca why he was right to wax lyrical about him.