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Ndidi: Man leading Leicester’s return to EPL

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Wilfred Ndidi’s career at Leicester City appeared to be in jeopardy, but he has managed to completely reverse his fortunes and is now considered one of the most crucial players at the King Power Stadium, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Ndidi’s impressive start to the season has earned him a nomination for the PFA Championship Fans’ Player of The Month award for September with Leicester City.

In the 14 games he has played in all competitions this season, Ndidi has been involved in seven goals for the Foxes. Among Leicester City players, only Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (with eight) has contributed to more goals than the Nigerian. This is a turnaround that few would have expected just a few months ago.

In the recent match against Stoke City, Ndidi was on the field for 13 minutes plus injury time during Leicester City’s 2-0 victory over the Potters. According to Leicester Mercury, no other player had more shots than Ndidi during the game. While all three of his attempts narrowly missed the target, he managed to set up Jamie Vardy for a goal with his fourth attempt, marking his third assist in three Championship games.

This season, it’s remarkable to see Ndidi excel in an attacking role, as he had primarily been known for his defensive prowess. In the past three years, since suffering an injury towards the end of a season, his performance had declined significantly.

In the two seasons leading up to City’s relegation from the Premier League, most players experienced a drop in form, but perhaps none as drastically as Ndidi. The team’s defense suffered because Ndidi was no longer effectively protecting it, with a noticeable decrease in his tackle and interception statistics.

During the previous season, Ndidi’s struggles continued as he made 27 appearances, comprising 19 starts and eight substitute appearances, without scoring a goal or providing an assist as Leicester was relegated to the Championship.

In the 2021/22 campaign, he had only three goal contributions (two goals and one assist) in 31 appearances across all competitions. Ndidi’s best seasons in terms of goal contributions with Leicester were in the 2017/18 and 2020/21 seasons, during which he scored one goal and provided four assists in each campaign. His standout season was in 2016/17 when he scored six goals and had one assist in 57 games.

This season, with just 14 games played, he has matched his all-time best goal contributions, demonstrating that the Nigerian is back to his peak form and the reason he was highly sought after by top clubs three years ago.

Despite being considered surplus to the team and almost being loaned out, Ndidi is one of only two players, alongside Dewsbury-Hall, to have featured in every match for the Foxes this season. His three goals this season, which include two in the Carabao Cup and one in the Championship, match his highest-scoring season for the club.

In 2020, Barcelona considered Ndidi as a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets, but he remained with the Foxes. Now, following his outstanding performances, the Catalans are reportedly interested in signing him when his contract with Leicester expires in 2024.

For a long time, Leicester relied on Ndidi’s defensive abilities, allowing them to take offensive risks, knowing they had him to provide security. However, when he couldn’t provide that security, the team’s defense became more vulnerable, and their attackers became hesitant to take creative risks, fearing counterattacks by the opposition.

Observing Ndidi’s current form, it’s evident that he has regained his best form, and the weight on his shoulders seems to have been lifted.

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