Leicester City’s recruitment has been been mixed to say the least in recent times.
Nine players joined in the summer transfer window and each of Leicester’s new signings has had various levels of success.
Now, with less than half of the winter transfer window left, Leicester have signed one player.
The Foxes recently took out a loan that could help to find some new signings before the 3 February deadline but they will need to step up their game.
Some players have been more disappointing than others but one is determined to show he can still live up to the hype that surrounded his move to the King Power Stadium.
Oliver Skipp determined to prove Leicester City fans wrong
It’s fair to say that Oliver Skipp has struggled with life at Leicester so far.
Skipp was the Foxes’ most expensive signing, with the Midlander’s reportedly parting ways with £20m and a potential further £5m in add-ons.
The seven-figure deal sanctioned by Leicester’s owners looks bad already and nothing highlighted his difficult start on Filbert Way more than Skipp’s dreadful performance against Newcastle United, where it took him 60 minutes to complete a tackle.
He’s not oblivious to the fact he has underperformed and back in December, the 24-year-old told The Athletic he has been “disappointed” with his own displays this season.
“I have been disappointed in my (Leicester) performances so far and I still feel like I could have performed better,” he admitted.
“But, I’m confident that that will come and when I, hopefully, get a run of games, I can show what I can do.
“It takes an adjustment period, getting used to the surroundings, the new team-mates, it’s only natural it takes a while to settle in, but it’s one that I’m confident I can overcome.”
Oliver Skipp stats 24/25 season
Any player coming in for a fee of £20m plus to a club like Leicester is expected to be a nailed-on starter.
There was lots of confusion around the deal in the first place given that there were a number of midfield options in the squad already, but Steve Cooper still decided to go ahead with it.
Skipp hasn’t been without game time and still been a regular in-and-out of the squad. Appearances have largely come off the bench, but his stats are all areas you’d expect better.
| Oliver Skipp Stats (Premier League only) | |
| Apps | 14 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Successful dribbles (per game) | 0.3 (44.4%) |
| Ground duels won | 2.1(54.7%) |
| Aerial duels won | 0.6 (80%) |
| Average rating | 6.59 |
From a defensive standpoint, there has been more success for Skipp and playing in a deeper role could suit him going forward.
Attacking wise, no goals or assists isn’t surprising but you’d still expect some form of contributions.
It’s clear he also prefers not to dribble, with less than half of his attempts coming off right.
There’s still time to turn things around, but Skipp needs to improve quickly.