The numbers and solutions for Leicester’s striker issue
VARDY VOID
Leicester City’s most recent defeat at the hands of QPR sees their chances of relegation to League One all the more likely. A major issue this season has been the lack of a focal point up top. Jamie Vardy led the Foxes to heights that once seemed unimaginable, and, unsurprisingly, City are struggling to replace his presence. Even last season, when the Striker was 38 years old, he still scored nine league goals for an incredibly fractured side. The previous year, he scored 20 goals across all competitions, further underscoring his importance. Therefore, with the Foxes now looking to move one, what do they change?
Vardy Void
Finding Vardy’s successor certainly isn’t a new concept, and may be a reason why the club continue to struggle. So much of their play was built around him, which has made finding a replacement that bit harder. For instance, a target-man profile like Islam Slimane didn’t translate well. Similarly, both Patson Daka and Kelechi Iheanacho couldn’t consistently be relied upon, though they had some bright spells. Vardy’s longevity is also astounding, and has led to other options not being able to succeed.
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Therefore, with his departure, there was always going to be pressure for the next players to succeed. Jordan Ayew would have certainly felt this as he took Vardy’s number nine shirt almost immediately. The Ghanian has had a tough season, with his strengths not complementing City’s style of play. With his diminutive stature and vast amount of experience, he excels in holding up the ball and winning fouls. A seemingly perfect recipe for a side that doesn’t see much of the ball. However, this hasn’t been what Leicester needed. Former Foxes winger Matt Piper even touched upon some of the flaws ahead of the Bristol City game.
“The last few times I’ve seen Ayew, it looks like he doesn’t want to be here. I’m surprised by the change.” — Matt Piper
The East Midlands outfit is crying out for a forward with output. Whilst this is a dream for near enough every club, any addition at the minute would likely be an upgrade.
Statistically, the City duo leading the line are poor. Ayew, who has scored three non-penalty goals, is currently averaging a shot on target every 135 minutes. Meanwhile, Patson Daka’s fortunes aren’t much better. The Zambian international also has three league goals and is underperforming his expected goals. Whilst his pressing and energy are nice additions, the lack of an eye for goals has really damaged his time in royal blue. He’s a player who excels when utilising his pace with runs in behind, but there haven’t been many opportunities for this.
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However, whilst a striker should at times be expected to create their own chances, it’s also important to acknowledge the lack of service. City are exceeding their XG more than any other club this season, and it’s easy to see why. They don’t create chances in good areas of the pitch or at a high volume. There is a staggering over-reliance on individual brilliance from players like Jordan James or Abdul Fatawu. Regardless of this, it’s an issue plaguing Gary Rowett’s side and something that could easily lead to relegation. The lack of a character up front who can take responsibility and come up with a big moment isn’t ideal, especially when the going gets tough.
A Brighter Future?
Despite the several negatives, is the future of City’s number nine role in safe hands? Both Daka and Ayew are set to be out of contract this summer, which will be crucial in reducing wages. With their departures, the club will be bound to be in the transfer market and searching for a new profile. Whilst this is definitely a positive, the recruitment team haven’t covered themselves in glory when searching for centre-forwards. Tom Cannon joined on deadline day back in 2023, but couldn’t assert himself as a starter. The past two campaigns have seen similar ‘panic-buys’ as both Odsonne Edouard and Julian Carranza arrived on loan. The Frenchmen made a measly four appearances in league action that season. Meanwhile, Carranza took to the hallowed turf just nine times, six of which off the bench, before being recalled in January.
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However, if the club can get it right, then having a focal point around the new-look squad will definitely be necessary. Due to the Foxes’ excellent academy, there is also a wealth of options out on loan and in the under-21s. Kirsten Otchere and Lorenz Hutchinson have been standouts for the academy this season, with the latter already tallying 25 goal contributions. Otchere has shown his worth, too, as his goal in a 5–1 win over Arsenal took him up to 10 goals in his last 13 appearances.
In terms of loanees, there are even more talents. 17-year-old Jake Evans is certainly a standout as he has won two Man of the Match awards for Northampton Town. Despite currently applying his trade as a winger, he can also play striker. Despite his fairly small stature, he boasts incredible power and great finishing. His performances have been heavily praised so far, with him proving to be a bright spark in struggling circumstances.
There is also Nathan Opoku, who signed a new deal recently. His time in the East Midlands has been tumultuous as he was left on the sidelines for almost a year after suffering a double leg fracture for sister club OH Leuven. He now features for League Two side Newport County, with them fighting for safety under Leicester legend Christian Fuchs. Opoku has started 12 games this season and has found the net five times with two assists along the way.
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In the league below, Chris Popov is impressing for Morecambe. He was awarded the club’s Player of the Month for February, and has played a pivotal part in the Shrimps’ ongoing great escape. With seven goals and three assists in just eleven games, it seems like Popov has also found form in men’s football.
