Four winners and losers at Leicester City as Steve Cooper’s approach takes shape
Steve Cooper’s player preferences begin to emerge after seven Premier League games in charge of Leicester City
When a new manager takes over from one who was sacked for underperformance, it’s often easy to overhaul the team and start fresh.
However, for Steve Cooper, the challenge has been different.
He succeeded a highly successful and well-liked manager at Leicester City, which meant he had to carefully balance his own approach with the tactics that had earned City promotion to the Premier League.
Cooper has gradually begun to implement his ideas and preferences for team selection.
In the seven Premier League games played over the past two months, some players have thrived, while others have struggled to find their place under Cooper’s leadership.
Here are four of the biggest winners and losers in the City squad during the early days of the Cooper era.
WINNERS
Mads Hermansen
No player in Leicester City’s starting lineup is as assured of their spot as Mads Hermansen.
Not only has he been the club’s standout performer this season, but he’s also emerged as one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League.
In the Championship, Hermansen’s shot-stopping ability was complemented by his excellent footwork.
Now, in the Premier League, his main focus has been on keeping the ball out of the net.
Although he has conceded 12 goals so far, his performances have been outstanding, including a remarkable display against Arsenal where he made 13 saves—just one short of a Premier League record.
Using the expected goals metric, Hermansen ranks as the best-performing goalkeeper in the league, having conceded 4.4 fewer goals than expected based on the shots on target he’s faced.
His contributions will be vital in securing points for Leicester City this season.
Wilfred Ndidi
After signing a new contract in the summer and changing his shirt number, Wilfred Ndidi seems to have found a resurgence under Cooper.
While he’s not completely transformed, his performances have certainly improved compared to recent years, making him a key figure in Cooper’s plans.
Whether deployed in a deep-lying role to protect the defense or further forward to press and assist in attack, Ndidi has been a regular starter.
Aside from a shaky outing against Aston Villa, he has excelled in both roles.
He currently leads the league in tackles, and only Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer have more assists.
