Leicester City’s Midfield Dilemma: Who Should Step Up?

Leicester City’s midfield options are becoming a hot topic among fans and analysts alike, especially after a thrilling late equaliser against Ipswich Town last weekend. The hero of the moment was Boubakary Soumare, whose determination and skill shone through in a pivotal moment for the Foxes. Following a corner kick, Ipswich launched a counterattack with most of Leicester’s players pushed forward. Soumare displayed remarkable hustle, tracking back to tackle Ipswich’s Sam Morsy. He then transitioned the play with impressive pace, passing to Jordan Ayew, who scored the equaliser after a clever one-two with Jamie Vardy.

Despite this standout performance, Soumare’s journey at Leicester has been anything but straightforward. The French midfielder joined the club in 2021 for a reported fee of £21 million, but since then, he has struggled to secure a regular starting spot. Over his three-and-a-half years at the club, he has only managed to start 32 league matches, partly due to a loan spell at Sevilla last season. This inconsistency has led many to question whether he can be relied upon as a key player for the Foxes.

However, recent performances suggest that Soumare may be turning a corner. He showed promise in Leicester’s recent Carabao Cup match against Manchester United, where he played well despite the team suffering a heavy defeat. Although he did not start against Ipswich, he made a significant impact when he came off the bench, raising hopes among fans that he could be a more consistent contributor moving forward.

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With the upcoming match against Manchester United, there are growing calls from supporters for Soumare to earn a starting role. Yet, Leicester City fans have seen the 25-year-old display moments of brilliance in the past, only to falter in subsequent games, leaving them cautiously optimistic.

Leicester City’s head coach, Steve Cooper, faces a challenging decision when it comes to selecting his midfield lineup. He has a wealth of talent at his disposal, including Harry Winks, Wilfred Ndidi, Oliver Skipp, and of course, Soumare. The competition for the two central midfield positions is fierce, and Cooper’s current first-choice pairing seems to be Winks and Ndidi.

Ndidi, in particular, has been a standout performer this season, showcasing his importance to the team. His strong defensive skills and ability to control the pace of the game make it hard to justify dropping him from the starting lineup. Meanwhile, Winks has also proven to be a reliable option, contributing both defensively and offensively.

While Soumare and Skipp are pushing for a chance to start, the question remains: can Soumare demonstrate the consistency needed to secure a permanent spot in the lineup? Cooper may opt to continue bringing Soumare off the bench for 25 to 30 minutes each game, giving him the opportunity to make an impact while allowing him to build his confidence. If he can maintain this upward trajectory, there is a good chance he could force his way into the starting eleven.

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As the season progresses, the dynamics of Leicester City’s midfield will be closely monitored. The Foxes are aiming to climb the league table, and having a solid midfield partnership will be crucial for achieving their goals. With players like Soumare, Winks, Ndidi, and Skipp all vying for playing time, the competition could ultimately benefit the team, pushing each player to elevate their performance.

In conclusion, the question of who should anchor Leicester City’s midfield remains open. While Soumare has shown glimpses of his potential, he must continue to prove himself in training and matches to become a regular starter. With the right mindset and determination, he could play a vital role in Leicester’s quest for success this season. As fans look ahead to crucial fixtures, the spotlight will be on Soumare and his fellow midfielders to deliver consistent performances and drive the team forward.