Leicester City ended their six-game winless run on Tuesday evening as they defeated West Ham United 3-1 at the King Power Stadium.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s winning start saw a number of much-improved performances across the pitch, including a magical display from Bilal El Khannouss.
Van Nistelrooy singled out El Khannouss in his post-match presser, heaping praise on the young Moroccan for his goal and assist.
Mads Hermansen earned a lot of plaudits, too, as he made a number of quality saves in the first half to keep Leicester in the game.
City conceded 31 shots in the clash, so clearly that’s an area that needs addressing and the January transfer window could certainly provide that.
With that said, Leicester should be targeting a left-footed defender who they have looked at previously.
Leicester should try to sign Leeds defender Pascal Struijk
It’s become pretty obvious that Leicester need to sign defensive reinforcement in the Janaury transfer window.
City have conceded 28 goals in 13 games this season, which is the second most in the entire division, only behind Wolves – who have shipped 32.
Whilst Conor Coady and Jannik Vestergaard actually put in a good shift last against West Ham, it’s evidently not a long-term pairing.
Leicester haven’t got a left-footed centre-back at the club, either, so they should try to sign Leeds United’s Pascal Struijk.
The Foxes showed an interest in Struijk a few years ago and since then, he’s gone from strength to strength with The Whites.
Indeed, Leeds won’t want to sell in January, but they may be forced to sell a key asset before the PSR deadline in June like Leicester had to with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Pascal Struijk stats
Struijk’s underlying data is mightily impressive and amplifies exactly why he’d be perfect for van Nistelrooy’s Leicester.
According to FBref, the Dutchman ranks in the top one per cent for progressive passes made, evincing his terrific ball-playing ability.
There will be a lot more emphasis on playing out from the back under van Nistelrooy, so it’s imperative City sign a defender who’s comfortable on the ball.
The 24-year-old also sits in the top four per cent for pass completion per 90, averaging a 91.4 per cent success rate, which is quite remarkable.