Leicester City had a season of ups and downs, and yet managed a 9th place finish in the Premier League.
It was quite an eventful season, not just on the pitch, but off it as well. The Foxes chairman’s Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha met with a sad demise when his helicopter crashed outside the King Power Stadium earlier in the season, claiming the lives of five people.
Leicester also had a managerial change as they parted ways with Claude Puel. Brendan Rodgers’ arrival saw the club bring a bit more consistency to their performances and results.
Let’s take a look at Leicester’s three standout performers in the season.
Ricardo Pereira
Pereira arrived from Porto on a 5-year long deal and has been the signing of the season for Leicester. The 25-year-old is a typical modern full-back who likes to charge on the flank, and play an essential role in the attack. His numbers speak volumes – the Portuguese right-back had 9 goal contributions to his name, and netted twice.
Pereira’s goal against Manchester City from just inside the box was one of the goals of the season. Apart from his crossing which can improve, Pereira was outstanding especially in areas like key passes, tackling, dribbling, through balls and ball interception.
James Maddison
Maddison is another signing who impressed this season. The 22-year-old made the move from Championship side Norwich City, but hit the ground running almost immediately with the Foxes.
The English International scored seven times and provided the same number of assists in what was an impressive debut campaign with the side.
Maddison was a constant threat in the final third. His set-piece deliveries are one of the best in the league, and all this at such a young age means he has a bright future ahead of him.
Jamie Vardy
Vardy had another good season in a Leicester shirt, scoring 18 goals in the Premier League and was the Foxes’ main man up front. The 32-year-old had a wobble at the start of the season, but returned to his goal-scoring best under Rodgers.
The Englishmen remains one of the best strikers for a team outside top six, and his importance to the Leicester squad can’t be quantified.
Vardy’s finishing prowess was vital to the Foxes’ campaign, with other forwards misfiring.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored