Can Leicester City Cope Without Nigeria Star Ndidi?

As the 2017-18 Premier League season reaches its climax, although it might not be attracting the leading headlines in the competition, the battle for seventh position in the table is one that could be the most fiercely contested, given the incentive of a potential spot in the Europa League next season being up for grabs.

Amongst the teams in the thick of the fight for seventh position in the Premier League are Leicester City, featuring a Nigerian international who has been a vital part of their side throughout the 2017-18 campaign. The influence of Wilfred Ndidi cannot be understated and the Foxes have been reliant on his superb defensive contributions, but after being red-carded in the recent match against Brighton, he will be forced to serve a two-match suspension.

Coping without star performer

Without tough-tackling Ndidi in the heart of midfield for the duration of that suspension, the chances of Leicester City winning the games at home against Newcastle United and away at Burnley reduced significantly, at least considering the lengthening Premier League match odds at William Hill, while the local media have also questioned how the team will cope without one of their best players, as they fight to clinch the last possible Europa League spot.

 

Indeed, The Leicester Mercury highlighted Ndidi’s importance, pondering how the team will replace a player who has been so solid all season in the short-term, with the 21-year-old earning wide praise for the consistency and quality of his performances with Leicester City. He boasts a successful average of 4.2 tackles per game according to whoscored.com statistics, making him one of the highest rated defensive midfielders in the Premier League in this regard.

Rumours of a big move for Ndidi

However, there are also long-term concerns about the future of Ndidi, given that his performances this season have caught the watchful eye of other leading clubs in the Premier League. According to transfer gossip at HITC.com recently, Arsenal could be preparing to make a summer swoop for the Leicester City player, based on a need for the Gunners to strengthen their team with a powerful ball-winning midfielder, which is something the London club have lacked during a disappointing 2017-18 campaign.

Securing a Europa League spot would obviously be a huge boost for the team and particularly for Ndidi, ahead of appearing at the World Cup with Nigeria, and could sway any decision to stay with his current club. However, it’s also worth considering that how he fares at Russia 2018 could also make a departure from his current club more likely. If he manages to shine internationally on the biggest stage of them all, with millions watching the tournament around the world, he could well be on his way. The lure of playing at one of the biggest clubs in England could present an opportunity that would be difficult for Ndidi to refuse.