Leicester City have enjoyed a marvellous season, though, there is one problem that is beginning to plague their progress.
Having only lost four games in the first 32, Enzo Maresca’s side have now suffered three consecutive defeats and are beginning to be dragged back in with the chasing pack.
Second-placed Ipswich Town are now three points adrift of City and have wind in their sails heading into the business end of the season.
So, how can City return to winning ways? It seems Enzo Maresca knows the answer.
Leicester City lack a physical midfielder
The Foxes suffered a huge blow when Chelsea recalled Cesare Casadei in January. The 6′ 1″ midfielder had his critics, but there is no doubt he was a real help in closing games out with his physical presence.
The under-21 Italy international was an important deputy for Wilfred Ndidi, who has been sidelined since December due to injury.
Speaking in January, Maresca spoke about the importance of having a physical midfielder in his system: “Since we started, in all our games, we always played with Cesare or Wilf, one of them. Against Ipswich, we tried to adapt to manage the situation with Ricardo (Pereira) and Kiernan (Dewsbury-Hall).
“But Wilf and Cesare’s skills are different from Ricky and Kiernan in terms of physicality. My idea of a different kind of player was like Cesare or Wilf. Physical.”
With the recent loss of form, it’s easy to pin it just on the exclusion of Ndidi or Casadei, but there has been a lack of grittiness to see out games and the lack of an imposing presence in midfield has been evident.
Wilfred Ndidi’s return will be a huge boost for Enzo Maresca
Ndidi is nearing a return to first-team action having not featured since last year due to a muscle injury which required surgery.
The Nigerian international could be back in full training this week and Maresca is hopeful he will be available for selection in the next two weeks.
The former Manchester City assistant spoke of his importance in the number eight role: “He can defend as a holding midfielder and attack in the pocket.”
Ndidi’s return will be a huge boost for Leicester heading into the final 11 games of the season and he could be the catalyst to another winning run, which may be enough to see them go up as champions.
Leicester make the trip to the North East on Tuesday, as they face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.