The 2010/11 Championship campaign has seen Leicester use over 35 different players over the course of the season. But which players would Sven-Goran Eriksson do well to keep at the Walkers Stadium next year? Who would bring that extra something to a team with Premier League ambition? Fans may be expecting a busy summer, but will there be fresh faces all around?
This is the first part of a look at a certain set of players who Sven will be considering whether or not to bring back for next season’s promotion push – the loan players.
Kyle Naughton
Parent club: Tottenham Hotspur
Age: 22 years
33 caps, 5 goals this season
Verdict
The Tottenham loanee has enjoyed a fantastic season at Leicester City, scoring five times from the full-back position (although pushing forward with such energy in attack he appears confident enough at times to be a winger) and winning the Young Player of the Season award for the Foxes. His defending is solid and he makes very few mistakes. He extended his initial loan spell from January until the end of the season, which is an indication of him being happy at Leicester. Most fans would be delighted to see Naughton back at the club next season and, as Spurs have strength in depth in the right back position, there is a real possibility.
However, the pull of the Premier League may be too tempting for such a young talent. Recently promoted Queens Park Rangers are rumoured to be interested, while a recent call up to the provisional England U21 squad will have a number of other managers turning their heads. Eriksson is likely to put in a bid for Naughton during the summer, but he could be heading to the top flight.
Stay or Go?
Stay. Sven-Goran Eriksson should certainly be considering bringing Naughton in on a permanent deal.
Ben Mee
Parent club: Manchester City
Age: 21 years
10 caps this season
Verdict
The Manchester City youngster had a terrible start to his loan spell at the Walkers Stadium. In his first game, he gave away two penalties (one after less than a minute) and on another day may have been issued a red card. Since then, Mee has worked tirelessly to prove his critics wrong and done so with real gusto. You will never see him duck out of a challenge and is great in the air for a comparatively short centre-half.
Aged 21, he has a good future ahead of him. But with the financial situation as strong as it is at Manchester City and their ability to attract world class players (this ability will only grow with Champions League football being on the cards next season), his future may well be away from Eastlands. Leicester are thin on central defenders (especially with Alexsandar Tunchev’s future at the club uncertain) and Ben Mee is a raw talent who can adapt to play left-back if required.
Stay or Go?
Stay. Mee could quite easily develop into a starting centre back at Leicester. Sven may consider a season long loan for the Sale born defender which would allow him to develop.
Miguel Vitor
Parent club: Benfica
Age: 21
15 caps, 3 goals this season
Verdict
Although Vitor was one of Paulo Sousa’s signings, the Portuguese defender played sparingly in the opening stages of the season. After scoring his first goal for the club in 2010 against Barnsley, Vitor’s season was marred by a hamstring injury that saw him sidelined for months. Since returning, he has been used in rotation and generally impressed as a solid centre-half.
It seems strange that Sven announced that he was interested in signing Vitor as he dropped the 21 year old one game after he scored a brace. It is difficult to understand how highly he is rated because of this. But, as mentioned earlier, Leicester are thin on centre-backs and Vitor would fit into the Foxes’ style of football nicely. He is always a threat from set pieces too; his three goals have come from either free kicks or corners.
Stay or Go?
Stay. Sven should consider making Vitor a permanent Leicester player this summer – if his current injury is not too serious.
Patrick Van Aanholt
Parent club: Chelsea
Age: 20
11 caps, 1 goal this season
Verdict
Van Aanholt has had an inconsistent loan spell due to injury – he missed six weeks with a torn thigh muscle in February. Since joining Chelsea in 2009, he has played only twice for them and has undergone loan spells at Coventry, Newcastle and now Leicester. Dubbed as ‘the next Ashley Cole’, the Dutchman is a real talent pushing forward although at times his defending has left little to be desired.
Van Aanholt has certainly improved on that side of the ball and his attacking play is a genuine threat to other sides. But Sven has been critical of his defence this season for letting in too many goals, and whether he has done enough to impress Eriksson to bring him back next season is unclear. Chelsea will probably make the decision for him anyway, and there is little chance of a permanent move in that respect.
Stay or Go?
Go. Van Aanholt would get games regularly at Leicester if he were brought back on loan next season, but Sven may look for a more experienced head at left-back.
Diomansy Kamara
Parent Club: Fulham
Age: 30
7 caps, 2 goals this season
Verdict
After moving to Craven Cottage in 2007, the Senegalese striker has played just 59 games for Fulham and found himself out of favour this season, falling down the pecking order dramatically. However, his three seasons at West Bromwich Albion make it clear that he is an experienced player at this level but does still have Premier League ability – which has been demonstrated in his brief spell at the Walkers Stadium.
Kamara can tear sides apart when he has a good day. Has a slight tendency to go missing when he has a bad day. But he has indicated that he wishes to return next season, and his performance in the end of season clash with Ipswich Town was indicative of that. He has blistering pace despite being the wrong side of 30 and oozes confidence with his close control. He would be a fantastic addition to the squad and have the burning desire to make it to the Premier League with a new club.
Stay or Go?
Stay. Sven should be looking at making Kamara a permanent signing.
Yakubu
Parent club: Everton
Age: 28
20 caps, 11 goals this season
This is the interesting one of the bunch. Yakubu has spent a lot of time in the Premier League and his goal scoring record in that division has always been impressive. Since joining the Foxes in January this year, the Yak has scored 11 goals in 20 games. Most fans would be pleased with that, but many are frustrated with his reluctance to chase down every lost cause. That simply is not the type of player he is.
Yakubu believes his future does not lie at Goodison Park, and has stated that he would cherish a permanent move to Leicester. David Moyes is rumoured to want to cut his losses with the Nigerian so that Everton can restructure their wage bill for next season. Money is likely not to come into the equation at Leicester, and Yakubu could well be the 25 goal-a-season striker Leicester have yearned for during the last two seasons.
Stay or Go?
Stay. It is possible that Yakubu could be one of Leicester’s big summer deals.
Jeffrey Bruma
Parent club: Chelsea
Age: 19
10 caps, 2 goals this season
Verdict
Bruma has steadily improved during his loan spell and scored two wonder goals in the game against Burnley. Chelsea clearly rate him highly and he has made his full international debut for Holland at the age of 19. Sven also clearly rates the youngster, at times bravely starting him instead of a preferred option by the fans.
His naivety and immaturity has been shown at times, but he would be a strong squad player who can also play in midfield – arguably his better position. But with current depth in that position, it is more likely he would feature as a centre-back. Like Van Aanholt, a permanent transfer away from Stamford Bridge is unlikely. But a season long loan would allow Bruma to develop so much more – and he has expressed his interest to stay.
Verdict
Stay if possible - Sven clearly likes what he sees in this young prospect and he will only get better – if Chelsea are willing to loan him out again.
Part two will focus on a number of current Leicester City players whose future at the club remains uncertain and what their role may be next season.
Showing posts with label Kyle Naughton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kyle Naughton. Show all posts
Monday, 9 May 2011
Saturday, 12 March 2011
Scunthorpe United 0 Leicester City 3 - 12th March 2011
Leicester City reignited their promotion hopes after comfortably beating relegation-threatened Scunthorpe United at Glanford Park this afternoon.
Miguel Vitor scored a goal in each half, while Kyle Naughton added a third with fifteen minutes remaining to help Leicester snap a four game winless streak which deflated their playoff ambitions.
It was Vitor’s first start after picking up a hamstring injury against Ipswich in December last year, but the Portuguese defender put in an outstanding performance both in defence and from attacking set pieces, giving manager Sven-Goran Eriksson something to smile about after a poor team display against Norwich City during the week.
Eriksson also reintroduced Paul Gallagher to the starting XI following Tuesday night’s loss, whilst also adopting the more attacking 4-3-3 formation.
Scunthorpe did give the visitors an early scare when Michael Raynes headed Mark Duffy’s corner kick towards goal, but Richie Wellens was well-placed to clear the ball off the line.
Yakubu then hit the target minutes later at the other end with a close range header, but it was saved by Scunthorpe keeper Josh Lillis.
On the half-hour mark, Yuki Abe’s venomous long range half-volley struck the crossbar before being bundled behind for a corner by the Iron defence.
Leicester then broke the deadlock from an ensuing corner when Paul Gallagher’s ball into the box was nodded on at the near post by Ben Mee to Miguel Vitor, who was well-placed in the six yard box to prod the ball into the net.
The Foxes were good value for their lead, having been the better side on a difficult pitch for most of the first-half and offering much more in attack than their counterparts.
At the other end, Ben Mee made an important clearance before a counter attack involving Andy King and Yakubu almost led to a second Leicester goal before half-time – the Everton loanee being foiled however by an unfortunate bounce before being able to trouble Josh Lillis.
After the break, Scunthorpe were almost handed a lifeline when referee Rob Shoebridge awarded the hosts a penalty after Kyle Naughton was adjudged to have pushed Joe Garner in the penalty area – however, the assistant had flagged Garner for being offside before the whistle, and the referee reversed his decision.
Paul Gallagher then came close for Leicester with a curling free kick which Josh Lillis did well to tip around the post for a corner kick.
Naughton and Garner were again under the spotlight when Garner appeared to lash out following a forceful challenge by the Tottenham full-back – the referee surprisingly booking Naughton and awarding a free-kick to the home side.
Just before the hour mark, Leicester came close to doubling their advantage when some excellent work from Darius Vassell down the wing resulted in a low ball to the back post; however, the pass just escaped the oncoming Andy King, who was unable to hit the target.
Scunthorpe thought they had found an equaliser minutes later when Joe Garner found the back of the net following a corner kick, but the goal was disallowed as Garner was deemed to have handled the ball and was consequentially cautioned.
Leicester eventually did add to their lead when more good work from Darius Vassell allowed Paul Gallagher to whip the ball dangerously in across goal, with Miguel Vitor again in the right place at the right time to power a header off the underside of the bar and into the net for his – and Leicester’s – second of the game.
The goal deflated the hosts, and, with their tails up, Leicester instinctively put the match out of sight five minutes later when Kyle Naughton smashed a low drive through the heart of the Scunthorpe defence and beyond Josh Lillis.
It was Naughton’s fifth goal of the season – an impressive tally from a defender – and a clear demonstration of his ability to punish teams if given time and space on the ball.
Leicester were then able to see the remainder of the game out, and could have had a fourth goal after substitute Martyn Waghorn’s shot from a tight angle tested Josh Lillis at his near post.
It was a match that Leicester really needed to win in order to bounce back from a run of disappointing results, and the Foxes did so in emphatic style, picking up the three points which leaves them just five points off the playoffs with nine games remaining.
Man of the Match – Miguel Vitor
Miguel Vitor scored a goal in each half, while Kyle Naughton added a third with fifteen minutes remaining to help Leicester snap a four game winless streak which deflated their playoff ambitions.
It was Vitor’s first start after picking up a hamstring injury against Ipswich in December last year, but the Portuguese defender put in an outstanding performance both in defence and from attacking set pieces, giving manager Sven-Goran Eriksson something to smile about after a poor team display against Norwich City during the week.
Eriksson also reintroduced Paul Gallagher to the starting XI following Tuesday night’s loss, whilst also adopting the more attacking 4-3-3 formation.
Scunthorpe did give the visitors an early scare when Michael Raynes headed Mark Duffy’s corner kick towards goal, but Richie Wellens was well-placed to clear the ball off the line.
Yakubu then hit the target minutes later at the other end with a close range header, but it was saved by Scunthorpe keeper Josh Lillis.
On the half-hour mark, Yuki Abe’s venomous long range half-volley struck the crossbar before being bundled behind for a corner by the Iron defence.
Leicester then broke the deadlock from an ensuing corner when Paul Gallagher’s ball into the box was nodded on at the near post by Ben Mee to Miguel Vitor, who was well-placed in the six yard box to prod the ball into the net.
The Foxes were good value for their lead, having been the better side on a difficult pitch for most of the first-half and offering much more in attack than their counterparts.
At the other end, Ben Mee made an important clearance before a counter attack involving Andy King and Yakubu almost led to a second Leicester goal before half-time – the Everton loanee being foiled however by an unfortunate bounce before being able to trouble Josh Lillis.
After the break, Scunthorpe were almost handed a lifeline when referee Rob Shoebridge awarded the hosts a penalty after Kyle Naughton was adjudged to have pushed Joe Garner in the penalty area – however, the assistant had flagged Garner for being offside before the whistle, and the referee reversed his decision.
Paul Gallagher then came close for Leicester with a curling free kick which Josh Lillis did well to tip around the post for a corner kick.
Naughton and Garner were again under the spotlight when Garner appeared to lash out following a forceful challenge by the Tottenham full-back – the referee surprisingly booking Naughton and awarding a free-kick to the home side.
Just before the hour mark, Leicester came close to doubling their advantage when some excellent work from Darius Vassell down the wing resulted in a low ball to the back post; however, the pass just escaped the oncoming Andy King, who was unable to hit the target.
Scunthorpe thought they had found an equaliser minutes later when Joe Garner found the back of the net following a corner kick, but the goal was disallowed as Garner was deemed to have handled the ball and was consequentially cautioned.
Leicester eventually did add to their lead when more good work from Darius Vassell allowed Paul Gallagher to whip the ball dangerously in across goal, with Miguel Vitor again in the right place at the right time to power a header off the underside of the bar and into the net for his – and Leicester’s – second of the game.
The goal deflated the hosts, and, with their tails up, Leicester instinctively put the match out of sight five minutes later when Kyle Naughton smashed a low drive through the heart of the Scunthorpe defence and beyond Josh Lillis.
It was Naughton’s fifth goal of the season – an impressive tally from a defender – and a clear demonstration of his ability to punish teams if given time and space on the ball.
Leicester were then able to see the remainder of the game out, and could have had a fourth goal after substitute Martyn Waghorn’s shot from a tight angle tested Josh Lillis at his near post.
It was a match that Leicester really needed to win in order to bounce back from a run of disappointing results, and the Foxes did so in emphatic style, picking up the three points which leaves them just five points off the playoffs with nine games remaining.
Man of the Match – Miguel Vitor
Saturday, 26 February 2011
Leicester City 1 Coventry City 1 - 26th February 2011
Leicester squandered an opportunity to close the gap on the top six after being held to a 1-1 draw by local rivals Coventry City this afternoon at the Walkers Stadium.
Marlon King put the visitors ahead when his shot went through the hands of Leicester goalkeeper Ricardo, but full-back Kyle Naughton levelled for the Foxes on the stroke of half-time.
Martin Cranie was sent off late on for Coventry after receiving a second yellow card as both sides played out a disjointed second-half.
The result ended a run of four losses for the Sky Blues, while Leicester missed the chance to go level with sixth-placed Leeds – who were beaten 3-0 by Swansea earlier this afternoon.
Yakubu could have put Leicester ahead early on when he pounced onto a loose ball, but Coventry goalkeeper Kieren Westwood did well to close down the Nigerian before he was able to get a shot away.
The Everton loanee then saw another chance go begging when he was unable to turn Kyle Naughton’s low ball on target.
The visitors then struck a hammer blow in the eleventh minute when Lukas Jutkiewicz’s ball into the box found Marlon King, whose shot evaded the grasp of Ricardo and fell into the back of the net to put Coventry ahead.
The goal came against the run of play but certainly lifted the spirits of the away side as they became more of a threat to the Foxes.
King should have doubled Coventry’s lead shortly afterwards when he rounded Ricardo in the penalty area but his wild shot flew wide of the empty net.
Leicester’s positive play resulted in Patrick Van Aanholt breaking down the left wing and finding Paul Gallagher in the box – however the Scotsman’s side-footed volley flew over the bar.
At the other end, Ricardo made a fine save at the near post from Lukas Jutkiewicz’s shot and from the ensuing corner, Richard Keogh rattled the crossbar with a header.
Yuki Abe – who returned to the starting XI – struck wide from just outside the area, before Yakubu broke behind the Coventry backline and appeared to be tripped by Kieren Westwood when through in on goal; however, referee Graham Scott waved away any protest.
Westwood was on hand minutes later to prevent Yakubu at the near post with a good save with his legs as Leicester continued to build pressure on the Coventry defence.
The hosts were rewarded for their persistence on the stroke of half-time when Kyle Naughton cut into the box from the right wing before firing a wonderful strike on his left foot into the top corner of the goal.
It was the Tottenham loanee’s fourth goal of the season and a clear demonstration of his ability to find the net from the full-back position.
The second-half was one of few clear cut opportunities for both sides; however Leicester looked the more likely to clinch a winner through the positive play of Kyle Naughton who became more of an attacking outlet as the game progressed.
Just after the hour mark, Paul Gallagher’s free kick found Yakubu in the box whose header was well-saved by Westwood, and Sol Bamba’s follow-up strike crashed against the post from an acute angle.
The introduction of Lloyd Dyer with twenty minutes remaining created a good opportunity for the hosts when the speedy winger played a ball back to Patrick Van Aanholt in the penalty area – but the Dutchman blazed his shot over the bar.
Martin Cranie then received a second yellow card with two minutes remaining after a lumbering challenge on substitute Martyn Waghorn.
In injury time, Richard Keogh did well to clear the ball after Patrick Van Aanholt mounted one final attack down the left – but the final whistle meant that the points were shared in a scrappy M69 Derby.
Man of the Match – Kyle Naughton
Marlon King put the visitors ahead when his shot went through the hands of Leicester goalkeeper Ricardo, but full-back Kyle Naughton levelled for the Foxes on the stroke of half-time.
Martin Cranie was sent off late on for Coventry after receiving a second yellow card as both sides played out a disjointed second-half.
The result ended a run of four losses for the Sky Blues, while Leicester missed the chance to go level with sixth-placed Leeds – who were beaten 3-0 by Swansea earlier this afternoon.
Yakubu could have put Leicester ahead early on when he pounced onto a loose ball, but Coventry goalkeeper Kieren Westwood did well to close down the Nigerian before he was able to get a shot away.
The Everton loanee then saw another chance go begging when he was unable to turn Kyle Naughton’s low ball on target.
The visitors then struck a hammer blow in the eleventh minute when Lukas Jutkiewicz’s ball into the box found Marlon King, whose shot evaded the grasp of Ricardo and fell into the back of the net to put Coventry ahead.
The goal came against the run of play but certainly lifted the spirits of the away side as they became more of a threat to the Foxes.
King should have doubled Coventry’s lead shortly afterwards when he rounded Ricardo in the penalty area but his wild shot flew wide of the empty net.
Leicester’s positive play resulted in Patrick Van Aanholt breaking down the left wing and finding Paul Gallagher in the box – however the Scotsman’s side-footed volley flew over the bar.
At the other end, Ricardo made a fine save at the near post from Lukas Jutkiewicz’s shot and from the ensuing corner, Richard Keogh rattled the crossbar with a header.
Yuki Abe – who returned to the starting XI – struck wide from just outside the area, before Yakubu broke behind the Coventry backline and appeared to be tripped by Kieren Westwood when through in on goal; however, referee Graham Scott waved away any protest.
Westwood was on hand minutes later to prevent Yakubu at the near post with a good save with his legs as Leicester continued to build pressure on the Coventry defence.
The hosts were rewarded for their persistence on the stroke of half-time when Kyle Naughton cut into the box from the right wing before firing a wonderful strike on his left foot into the top corner of the goal.
It was the Tottenham loanee’s fourth goal of the season and a clear demonstration of his ability to find the net from the full-back position.
The second-half was one of few clear cut opportunities for both sides; however Leicester looked the more likely to clinch a winner through the positive play of Kyle Naughton who became more of an attacking outlet as the game progressed.
Just after the hour mark, Paul Gallagher’s free kick found Yakubu in the box whose header was well-saved by Westwood, and Sol Bamba’s follow-up strike crashed against the post from an acute angle.
The introduction of Lloyd Dyer with twenty minutes remaining created a good opportunity for the hosts when the speedy winger played a ball back to Patrick Van Aanholt in the penalty area – but the Dutchman blazed his shot over the bar.
Martin Cranie then received a second yellow card with two minutes remaining after a lumbering challenge on substitute Martyn Waghorn.
In injury time, Richard Keogh did well to clear the ball after Patrick Van Aanholt mounted one final attack down the left – but the final whistle meant that the points were shared in a scrappy M69 Derby.
Man of the Match – Kyle Naughton
Saturday, 5 February 2011
Leicester City 4 Barnsley 1 - 5th February 2011
Andy King scored a goal in each half as Leicester extended their unbeaten run to six games after thrashing Barnsley 4-1 at the Walkers Stadium.
Paul Gallagher opened the scoring after fifteen minutes with a fine shot from distance before Andy King’s clever chip over Tykes’ keeper Luke Steele doubled Leicester’s advantage.
Jacob Mellis pulled a goal back for Barnsley on the stroke of half-time, but King restored the Foxes’ two goal advantage just before the hour mark.
Kyle Naughton wrapped up a resounding victory with a 30 yard thunderbolt later on as Leicester continued their climb up the Championship table.
The win extended Leicester’s unbeaten home record in the Championship since the arrival of Sven-Goran Eriksson - celebrating his birthday today - back in October and kept their playoff push very much alive.
The match saw the return of Paul Gallagher to the starting line-up after picking up an injury in Leicester’s Carling Cup replay against Manchester City last month.
It only took fifteen minutes for the striker to make an impact on the game when his powerful shot from 25 yards flew into the top corner – despite goalkeeper Luke Steele getting a hand to the ball.
The goal sprung the game into life following a lacklustre opening quarter of an hour as Danny Haynes had a shot charged down by loan defender Ben Mee moments after.
At the other end, Richie Wellens played a nice one-two pass with Darius Vassell before the midfielder’s shot was well blocked by the Tykes’ backline.
Luke Steele then did well to prevent a second Leicester goal after Yakubu was played in behind the defence – the goalkeeper bravely diving out to collect the ball.
Vassell was then cynically fouled by Diego Arismendi after the former England international went on a storming run on goal before Patrick Van Aanholt’s subsequent free kick rattled the crossbar.
Just after the hour mark, Ben Mee made a crucial clearing header after Barnsley’s Matt Hill played a tempting ball into the Foxes’ penalty area.
Bobby Hassell’s shot from distance then had Chris Weale at full stretch in the Leicester goal after the Foxes failed to close down.
Barnsley maintained good possession towards the end of the first half, but found themselves 2-0 down when Andy King cleverly chipped the ball over Luke Steele from twelve yards after his initial shot was blocked.
It was the Welshman’s twelfth goal of the campaign and demonstrated the finesse possessed by the Leicester academy product.
Moments later, Frank Nouble – on loan from West Ham – had a goal disallowed for offside for Barnsley with Leicester defence temporarily switched off.
But Barnsley were handed a lifeline when Jacob Mellis pulled a goal back from just inside the penalty area in first-half injury time after the Foxes struggled to deal with a loose ball.
Nouble then came close to equalising before the break after he took the ball round Chris Weale, but Kyle Naughton was on hand to clear the ball off the line to prevent a certain goal.
After the break, Leicester continued to threaten from distance as Paul Gallagher and Richie Wellens both came close with long range shots.
But it was Barnsley who enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession, testing the Foxes in midfield and threatening from both flanks.
Andy King then caught the Tykes out at the back just before the hour mark when he picked up on a poor pass and carried the ball 30 yards before curling a smart finish into the bottom corner for his second – and Leicester’s third - goal of the game.
Leicester continued to pepper the Barnsley goal through Paul Gallagher before some tidy passing between Yakubu and substitute Lloyd Dyer set Richie Wellens up – but his shot flew straight into the path of Luke Steele.
Leicester looked comfortable for the most part having restored their two goal cushion although Mark Robins’ side continued to attack through Danny Haynes who nearly latched onto a long ball – but Chris Weale was on hand to thwart the former Bristol City man.
With less than ten minutes remaining, Lloyd Dyer played a scintillating through ball to Yakubu; however the Everton loanee was unable to get the ball out from under his feet which allowed Luke Steele to make another save for Barnsley.
Substitute Matt Oakley then had a ferocious shot tipped away by Steele, but the goalkeeper could do nothing about Leicester’s fourth goal; a stunning 30 yard strike from Kyle Naughton which flew into the top corner.
It was the full-back’s third goal of the season and was a clear example of the ability possessed by the on-loan Tottenham youngster.
The final whilst indicated another home win for Leicester who climbed to eighth in the Championship – just three points outside the playoffs as Sven’s men continued their fine form at the Walkers Stadium.
Man of the Match – Andy King
Paul Gallagher opened the scoring after fifteen minutes with a fine shot from distance before Andy King’s clever chip over Tykes’ keeper Luke Steele doubled Leicester’s advantage.
Jacob Mellis pulled a goal back for Barnsley on the stroke of half-time, but King restored the Foxes’ two goal advantage just before the hour mark.
Kyle Naughton wrapped up a resounding victory with a 30 yard thunderbolt later on as Leicester continued their climb up the Championship table.
The win extended Leicester’s unbeaten home record in the Championship since the arrival of Sven-Goran Eriksson - celebrating his birthday today - back in October and kept their playoff push very much alive.
The match saw the return of Paul Gallagher to the starting line-up after picking up an injury in Leicester’s Carling Cup replay against Manchester City last month.
It only took fifteen minutes for the striker to make an impact on the game when his powerful shot from 25 yards flew into the top corner – despite goalkeeper Luke Steele getting a hand to the ball.
The goal sprung the game into life following a lacklustre opening quarter of an hour as Danny Haynes had a shot charged down by loan defender Ben Mee moments after.
At the other end, Richie Wellens played a nice one-two pass with Darius Vassell before the midfielder’s shot was well blocked by the Tykes’ backline.
Luke Steele then did well to prevent a second Leicester goal after Yakubu was played in behind the defence – the goalkeeper bravely diving out to collect the ball.
Vassell was then cynically fouled by Diego Arismendi after the former England international went on a storming run on goal before Patrick Van Aanholt’s subsequent free kick rattled the crossbar.
Just after the hour mark, Ben Mee made a crucial clearing header after Barnsley’s Matt Hill played a tempting ball into the Foxes’ penalty area.
Bobby Hassell’s shot from distance then had Chris Weale at full stretch in the Leicester goal after the Foxes failed to close down.
Barnsley maintained good possession towards the end of the first half, but found themselves 2-0 down when Andy King cleverly chipped the ball over Luke Steele from twelve yards after his initial shot was blocked.
It was the Welshman’s twelfth goal of the campaign and demonstrated the finesse possessed by the Leicester academy product.
Moments later, Frank Nouble – on loan from West Ham – had a goal disallowed for offside for Barnsley with Leicester defence temporarily switched off.
But Barnsley were handed a lifeline when Jacob Mellis pulled a goal back from just inside the penalty area in first-half injury time after the Foxes struggled to deal with a loose ball.
Nouble then came close to equalising before the break after he took the ball round Chris Weale, but Kyle Naughton was on hand to clear the ball off the line to prevent a certain goal.
After the break, Leicester continued to threaten from distance as Paul Gallagher and Richie Wellens both came close with long range shots.
But it was Barnsley who enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession, testing the Foxes in midfield and threatening from both flanks.
Andy King then caught the Tykes out at the back just before the hour mark when he picked up on a poor pass and carried the ball 30 yards before curling a smart finish into the bottom corner for his second – and Leicester’s third - goal of the game.
Leicester continued to pepper the Barnsley goal through Paul Gallagher before some tidy passing between Yakubu and substitute Lloyd Dyer set Richie Wellens up – but his shot flew straight into the path of Luke Steele.
Leicester looked comfortable for the most part having restored their two goal cushion although Mark Robins’ side continued to attack through Danny Haynes who nearly latched onto a long ball – but Chris Weale was on hand to thwart the former Bristol City man.
With less than ten minutes remaining, Lloyd Dyer played a scintillating through ball to Yakubu; however the Everton loanee was unable to get the ball out from under his feet which allowed Luke Steele to make another save for Barnsley.
Substitute Matt Oakley then had a ferocious shot tipped away by Steele, but the goalkeeper could do nothing about Leicester’s fourth goal; a stunning 30 yard strike from Kyle Naughton which flew into the top corner.
It was the full-back’s third goal of the season and was a clear example of the ability possessed by the on-loan Tottenham youngster.
The final whilst indicated another home win for Leicester who climbed to eighth in the Championship – just three points outside the playoffs as Sven’s men continued their fine form at the Walkers Stadium.
Man of the Match – Andy King
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Leicester City - New Signings Part Two
A couple of months ago, I promised to update an old article with new signings as and when they arrived at the club. However, transfers dried up a little after Yuki Abe and Martyn Waghorn signed for Leicester City, so here’s a look at the newest loan additions to the squad since Sven-Goran Eriksson took charge.
Name: Kyle Naughton
Age: 21
Position: Right back
Transfer fee: n/a (on loan from Tottenham Hotspur until January 2011)
Last season:
After signing from Sheffield United in 2009, Naughton only featured once as a substitute for Tottenham Hotspur last season. He had a six month loan spell with Middlesborough from February 2010, playing in fifteen games.
First thoughts:
An bit of an unknown quantity unless seen playing during the 2008/09 season for Sheffield United, where he was voted Young Player of the Year by fans, and runner up Senior Player of the Year.
Who does he replace?
Robbie Neilson and Michael Lamey, who both featured during Paulo Sousa’s time in charge. Michael Morrison may also find that his opportunities become more limited as a result of a more experienced right back entering the fray.
What can he bring to Leicester City?
Known for his blistering pace, Naughton offers an attacking option as an overlapping full back which suits Eriksson’s preferred 4-4-2 formation, especially with Lloyd Dyer and Dany N’Guessan both currently sidelined. More importantly, the former England under-21 man has already demonstrated great composure in defence. Scoring in Leicester’s 2-1 away win over Leeds United will give him extra confidence.
Transfer rating: 8/10
Name: Curtis Davies
Age: 25
Position: Centre back
Transfer fee: n/a (on loan from Aston Villa for one month)
Last season:
Davies started 37 games for Villa under Martin O’Neill, scoring two goals in the process. However, he struggled to keep his place in the team after undergoing shoulder surgery in October 2009, as well as facing strong competition in the Villa defence from both Richard Dunne and James Collins.
First thoughts:
A very good signing, should he be able to stay injury free.
Who does he replace?
The hole in the defence left by the loss of Wayne Brown last season, which Paulo Sousa never really addressed during the summer.
What can he bring to Leicester City?
Although only 25 years of age, Davies offers experience to a mostly youthful set of defenders. He is a gifted footballer but still happy to do the dirty work in defence and offers physical prowess and good aerial ability. The addition of Davies is likely to allow Jack Hobbs to play in the style he did last season, rather than filling in as the brawn of the two centre backs. If he can stay healthy, Davies should start every game for the next month.
Transfer rating: 9/10
Name: Darius Vassell
Age: 30
Position: Striker/Winger
Transfer fee: n/a (free agent)
Last season:
Vassell spent last season with Turkish side MKE Ankaragücü, scoring four times in 25 appearances.
First thoughts: Questions as to whether he still has the pace he previously demonstrated in the Premier League and at international level.
Who does he replace? Nobody in particular, although he does provide added depth amongst Leicester's strikers. Vassell could feature as a winger should Erikkson ever adopt a 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 formation.
What can he bring to Leicester City?
At the very least, Vassell offers experience to some of the younger attacking players, having formerly played for Aston Villa, Manchester City and England. Having played for Eriksson at the aforementioned latter two clubs, Vassell may be able to rediscover his previous good form in English football. He won’t be match fit for another week or so, but will be interesting to see how he fares in the Championship. This one could go either way.
Transfer rating: 7/10
Name: Kyle Naughton
Age: 21
Position: Right back
Transfer fee: n/a (on loan from Tottenham Hotspur until January 2011)
Last season:
After signing from Sheffield United in 2009, Naughton only featured once as a substitute for Tottenham Hotspur last season. He had a six month loan spell with Middlesborough from February 2010, playing in fifteen games.
First thoughts:
An bit of an unknown quantity unless seen playing during the 2008/09 season for Sheffield United, where he was voted Young Player of the Year by fans, and runner up Senior Player of the Year.
Who does he replace?
Robbie Neilson and Michael Lamey, who both featured during Paulo Sousa’s time in charge. Michael Morrison may also find that his opportunities become more limited as a result of a more experienced right back entering the fray.
What can he bring to Leicester City?
Known for his blistering pace, Naughton offers an attacking option as an overlapping full back which suits Eriksson’s preferred 4-4-2 formation, especially with Lloyd Dyer and Dany N’Guessan both currently sidelined. More importantly, the former England under-21 man has already demonstrated great composure in defence. Scoring in Leicester’s 2-1 away win over Leeds United will give him extra confidence.
Transfer rating: 8/10
Name: Curtis Davies
Age: 25
Position: Centre back
Transfer fee: n/a (on loan from Aston Villa for one month)
Last season:
Davies started 37 games for Villa under Martin O’Neill, scoring two goals in the process. However, he struggled to keep his place in the team after undergoing shoulder surgery in October 2009, as well as facing strong competition in the Villa defence from both Richard Dunne and James Collins.
First thoughts:
A very good signing, should he be able to stay injury free.
Who does he replace?
The hole in the defence left by the loss of Wayne Brown last season, which Paulo Sousa never really addressed during the summer.
What can he bring to Leicester City?
Although only 25 years of age, Davies offers experience to a mostly youthful set of defenders. He is a gifted footballer but still happy to do the dirty work in defence and offers physical prowess and good aerial ability. The addition of Davies is likely to allow Jack Hobbs to play in the style he did last season, rather than filling in as the brawn of the two centre backs. If he can stay healthy, Davies should start every game for the next month.
Transfer rating: 9/10
Name: Darius Vassell
Age: 30
Position: Striker/Winger
Transfer fee: n/a (free agent)
Last season:
Vassell spent last season with Turkish side MKE Ankaragücü, scoring four times in 25 appearances.
First thoughts: Questions as to whether he still has the pace he previously demonstrated in the Premier League and at international level.
Who does he replace? Nobody in particular, although he does provide added depth amongst Leicester's strikers. Vassell could feature as a winger should Erikkson ever adopt a 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 formation.
What can he bring to Leicester City?
At the very least, Vassell offers experience to some of the younger attacking players, having formerly played for Aston Villa, Manchester City and England. Having played for Eriksson at the aforementioned latter two clubs, Vassell may be able to rediscover his previous good form in English football. He won’t be match fit for another week or so, but will be interesting to see how he fares in the Championship. This one could go either way.
Transfer rating: 7/10
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