[ad_pod ]
Speaking to Leicester City’s radio show Extra-Time on Monday 8th April from 6pm onwards, pundit Gerry Taggart was glowing in his assessment of Wilfried Ndidi, hailing his recent performances.
What’s he said?
The former Leicester player had plenty to say about the club’s midfield general, firstly comparing him to Jamie Vardy in the fact that he’s a player who is focused on the simple aspects of his game.
Speaking on Extra-Time, he said:
“Just like Jamie Vardy, Wilfried Ndidi is in a position where he’s able to play to his strengths and not get too bogged down in over complicating his game. There’s a saying in football that simplicity is genius and you’re seeing it there with Ndidi.”
The pundit then spoke more in-depth about how the Nigerian’s performances have changed in recent months, with Nampalys Mendy’s injury at Tottenham proving a key turning point.
He also claimed that the appointment of Brendan Rodgers has had a huge impact in terms of the 22-year-old’s improved displays.
“I think it was Mendy that got injured in the warm-up and he hasn’t looked back since, but he wasn’t in the team. Mendy was starting that game before him and then he got injured. Wilfried has now come in, there’s been a change of manager and he’s never looked back. He looks the absolute part all over again. His game has been simplified, he’s been given a role, a very important role, to play in the team and everything else after that is a bonus.”
Taggart spot on
Since Rodgers came into the club he’s managed to put excitement back into the atmosphere at the King Power. The club have immediately started playing better football and we’re seeing some similar signs to their title-winning campaign in regards to the style of play.
Vardy’s strengths are being utilised again which makes it even more baffling to think that Claude Puel didn’t play him more. Meanwhile, Ndidi’s return to form provides further evidence of the turnaround the new manager has brought.
Although still a key player under Puel, the midfielder’s performances were largely inconsistent in the first half of the season but in recent weeks his game has significantly improved.
Taggart’s assessment of the role he plays in is spot on as he lays the hugely important foundation in front of the defence for the likes of Youri Tielemans and James Maddison to express themselves further forward.
He’s the type of player who goes about his business in a quiet fashion, but just how vital he is to this Leicester team cannot be undermined.