Ndidi flourishes in new midfield role for Leicester

Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been hugely influential in his new midfield role for Leicester City this season, as he currently sits second in the Premier League assists chart with four in just six matches.

Only Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, with five assists, ranks above the former Genk star. His tally is only matched by Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, underscoring his spiralling influence in the final third.

Having rendered as many assists this season as he managed in the entirety of his best creative campaign (four assists in 26 games during the 2020/21 season), Ndidi’s evolution has been notable under the management of Steve Cooper.

Traditionally known for his defensive prowess, Ndidi has now emerged as a creative force, a transition that has breathed new life into his game and elevated his role at Leicester City.

Ndidi’s transformation into a more attack-minded midfielder has been pivotal in Leicester’s early Premier League campaign. From breaking up opposition play to threading precise passes in the final third, the 27-year-old has adapted seamlessly.

The swap in position was first tested in an EFL Cup match against Tranmere Rovers, where he was given license to roam as part of a midfield trio. This tactical tweak has since been implemented in Premier League fixtures, yielding impressive dividends.

In Leicester’s 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, Ndidi was the orchestrator-in-chief, creating four chances, which was more than any other player on the pitch, and providing two assists. His first, a perfectly weighted through ball from just inside the centre circle, which freed up Jamie Vardy to open the scoring.

Ndidi’s second assist showcased his newfound tactical awareness. Receiving the ball on the edge of the six-yard box, he resisted the temptation to shoot, instead laying off a clever pass to the unmarked Stephy Mavididi, who doubled Leicester’s lead.

However, this creative surge is a far cry from Ndidi’s previous Premier League statistics. From his debut until the end of the 2022/23 season, he created 76 chances (0.43 per 90 minutes) and provided nine assists (0.05 per 90). This season, he’s averaged 1.57 chances created and 0.78 assists per 90 minutes.

In Leicester’s thrilling 4-2 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates, Ndidi delivered a pinpoint cross that set up James Justin’s volley, a moment that encapsulated his ability to contribute offensively.

Despite Leicester falling to Arsenal after conceding two stoppage-time goals, Ndidi’s assist was a testament to his growing creative disposition.

However, Ndidi’s defensive prowess hasn’t been completely abandoned. Despite a season in the Championship following Leicester’s relegation, Ndidi’s Premier League legacy remains intact. Since his debut, he leads the division for tackles (704) and interceptions (393), while sitting fourth for possession won in the middle third (838) and overall possession won (1,567).

Consistency has been key for Ndidi this season, with his influence felt not only in assists but also in his overall play. His assist in Leicester’s 1-1 draw against Everton and his crucial involvement in the Foxes’ matches against Fulham and Nottingham Forest further highlight his growing importance.

These performances demonstrate Ndidi’s ability to dictate play, transitioning from a ball-winning midfielder to a creator, a role he has embraced with enthusiasm.

As it stands, Ndidi’s current four assists in six games set him on track to surpass his previous record of four assists in a single Premier League season. If he maintains this creative output, the Nigeria midfielder could not only shatter personal bests but also establish himself as one of the elite creators in the English top flight.

He will hope to add to his tally when the Foxes welcome Bournemouth at the King Power stadium on Saturday (today).

Ndidi’s commitment to Leicester City’s cause never wavered during their time in the second tier. He signed a new three-year contract in the summer, citing “unfinished business” as his motivation to stay with the Foxes.

“There have been great memories, and I’m looking forward to what we are going to create going forward,” Ndidi said after putting pen to paper.