Leicester City Player Ratings vs Walsall: Foxes Struggle to Carabao Cup Victory via Penalty Shootout, with Two Players Earning Low 3/10 Scores

Steve Cooper’s team endured a tough night, as they were booed off at half-time and struggled to make an impact for most of the game, only registering their first shot on target in the 79th minute.

 

Leicester City found themselves under sustained pressure from their League Two opponents, Walsall, throughout much of the match.

 

The game eventually had to be decided by a penalty shootout, as neither side could break the deadlock in normal or extra time.

 

The hero of the night was Danny Ward, who played a crucial role in Leicester’s advancement to the fourth round.

 

He made three outstanding saves during the penalty shootout, saving all of Walsall’s spot-kicks and sparing Leicester from what could have been an embarrassing exit.

 

Danny Ward

Ward was called into action early, making two excellent saves in the first half to prevent Walsall from taking the lead.

 

He remained composed and delivered when it mattered most in the penalty shootout, saving all three penalties.

 

One of the few Leicester players who can hold his head high after the game. Rating: 7/10.

 

Ricardo Pereira

Despite wearing the captain’s armband, Pereira struggled to make an impact.

 

He was far less effective in a defensive role and looked more suited to his usual position as an attacking full-back. Rating: 4/10.

 

Conor Coady

Coady was forced into more defensive duties than expected and managed to handle the pressure adequately.

 

However, it seems unlikely he will displace Wout Faes from the starting lineup in future matches. Rating: 5/10.

 

Caleb Okoli

The only player to retain his starting position from last weekend’s draw against Everton, Okoli was reliable once again.

 

He dealt well with Walsall’s forwards but showed a lack of composure on the ball with several poor touches. Rating: 5/10.

 

Luke Thomas

Thomas had a tough night, struggling physically against Walsall’s League Two opposition.

 

He was often caught out of position and looked rusty, likely due to a lack of game time.

 

Unfortunately, Thomas doesn’t appear to be of the quality Leicester needs moving forward. Rating: 3/10.

 

Hamza Choudhury

Although Choudhury didn’t make a significant impact, he was the better of Leicester’s two central midfielders.

 

However, his performance lacked any defining moments. Rating: 5/10.

 

Boubakary Soumare

Soumare’s performance epitomized his Leicester career—full of promise but ultimately underwhelming.

 

It’s likely that this match will be one of his last appearances for the club unless an injury crisis arises. Rating: 4/10.

 

Bobby De-Cordova Reid

Reid had little influence on the match, with few touches of the ball and no memorable contributions.

 

His poor form continued from previous games, and this performance was no different. Rating: 3/10.

 

Facundo Buonanotte

Buonanotte was one of the few Leicester players who looked capable of creating chances.

 

He showed good control and always looked to move the ball forward. It’s likely he’ll return to the starting lineup for the upcoming match against Arsenal. Rating: 6/10.

 

Abdul Fatawu

Fatawu had a quiet first half but grew into the game in the second, becoming a threat to Walsall’s defense. His decision-making was questionable at times, particularly when through on goal, but his performance improved as the match progressed. Rating: 5/10.

 

Odsonne Edouard

In his first start for Leicester, Edouard struggled to impose himself on the game. The lack of service made things difficult for him, and when he did receive the ball, his first touch and hold-up play were poor. It’s still early in his Leicester career, and he is working to build match fitness. Rating: 4/10.

 

Substitutes:

Jordan Ayew: 5/10,

Bilal El Khannouss: N/A,

Oliver Skipp: N/A,

Kasey McAteer: N/A.