Grapevine

Ndidi flourishes in new midfield role for Leicester

Having rendered as many assists this season as he managed in the entirety of his best creative campaign (four assists in 26 games during the 2020/21 season), Ndidi’s evolution has been notable under the management of Steve Cooper.

Traditionally known for his defensive prowess, Ndidi has now emerged as a creative force, a transition that has breathed new life into his game and elevated his role at Leicester City.

Ndidi’s transformation into a more attack-minded midfielder has been pivotal in Leicester’s early Premier League campaign. From breaking up opposition play to threading precise passes in the final third, the 27-year-old has adapted seamlessly.

The swap in position was first tested in an EFL Cup match against Tranmere Rovers, where he was given license to roam as part of a midfield trio. This tactical tweak has since been implemented in Premier League fixtures, yielding impressive dividends.

In Leicester’s 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, Ndidi was the orchestrator-in-chief, creating four chances, which was more than any other player on the pitch, and providing two assists. His first, a perfectly weighted through ball from just inside the centre circle, which freed up Jamie Vardy to open the scoring.