How Wolves Inspired Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Solution for Leicester City’s ‘Vital Role’
City Boss Turns to Wolves' Blueprint as Back-Five System Faces Second Test Against Manchester United
Ruud van Nistelrooy is relying on Conor Coady’s Wolves experience to help Leicester City fight their relegation battle.
Van Nistelrooy included Coady in his starting lineup for the first time in two months during last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, adjusting the team’s formation.
Coady, who began the season as a starter before spending seven games on the bench, was deployed at the heart of a back five.
The 32-year-old excelled in this role at Wolves, earning England call-ups.
Van Nistelrooy hopes this tactical shift will improve City’s form as they aim to catch 17th-placed Wolves.
Leicester are currently nine points from safety ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester United, having watched Wolves defeat Southampton.
“I think he had an excellent game,” van Nistelrooy said of Coady’s performance against Chelsea. “He played really well.
“He’s very vocal and experienced in a back three or five, as he showed at Wolves.
He understands the responsibilities of the central defender, particularly how the wider centre-backs push into midfield during both defense and build-up play.
“So he plays a vital role, not just for his experience in the system, but also for how he organizes those around him.”
Coady was preferred over Jannik Vestergaard, one of four senior outfield players left out of the squad at Chelsea, along with Oli Skipp, Kasey McAteer, and Odsonne Edouard.
