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#4. Wilfred Ndidi
Leicester City’s heroics this season could be ascribed to their talismanic duo of Jamie Vardy and James Maddison, both of whom have lit up the Premier League with their displays. Vardy is currently the top goalscorer in the division with 17 goals, one ahead of Sergio Aguero and Maddison is among the division’s top five players in terms of through balls and crosses. Though the former’s form has dipped in recent games, his 21 goal contributions in 23 appearances still speaks volumes.
Brendan Rodgers’ side are only two points behind second-placed Manchester City and a potential Champions League qualification for next season is very much on the cards. However, the above-mentioned Englishmen are not the only reasons for Leicester’s brilliant campaign so far.
If you ask Leicester fans, they would probably tell you that Wilfred Ndidi is their most important player. The Nigerian midfielder arrived at the King Power Stadium in 2017 from Belgian outfit Genk and has since then cemented himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the division.
In terms of tackles, Ndidi is third with 86, only behind teammate Ricardo Pereira (106) and Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka (88). He is also the Premier League’s leader for the most number of interceptions (56) this season, only trailing Bournemouth’s Diego Rico (66).
he 23-year-old is crucial to Brendan Rodgers’ style of play, as his defensive prowess helps the back-four and passing attributes complement the midfielders. Both Youri Tielemans and Maddison are often found in advanced positions throughout Leicester’s games only because of Ndidi’s solid presence behind them. One could argue that their recent slump has much to do with the knee injury Ndidi suffered at the beginning of January.
But now that he is back in action, we could see Leicester City find their feet again with their influential Nigerian pulling the strings from the middle.
