Waving flag with Leicester City FC football club logo. Editorial 3D
Just as Wilfred Ndidi’s journey with Leicester City seemed to be heading towards an uncertain conclusion, the Nigeria international has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, emerging as a pivotal figure at the King Power Stadium, as reported by PUNCH Sports Extra.
Ndidi’s sensational start to the season has earned him a nomination for the PFA Championship Fans’ Player of The Month award for September, a testament to his resurgence with Leicester City.
Ndidi has made shortlist as player of the month
In the 14 games he has played across all competitions this season, Ndidi has directly contributed to seven goals for the Foxes. Surprisingly, only Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (with eight) has been involved in more goals than the Nigerian, a scenario that few could have predicted just a few months ago.
During Leicester City’s 2-0 victory over Stoke City last Saturday, Ndidi made a significant impact, spending 13 minutes on the pitch plus injury time. According to Leicester Mercury, he outshone all other players in terms of shot attempts, underlining his newfound influence.
His three shots—one blocked just outside the goal, one deflected over, and one headed just wide—were all just inches away from connecting.
He assisted Jamie Vardy to record his third assist in three Championship games with his fourth effort. The penalty kick that gave Leicester the victory over Bristol was equally won by the 26-year-old and Bristol.
Read also: Leicester City: Positives And Negatives, Player Ratings And Match Report, Premier League Fixture.
Ndidi, a highly-rated midfielder, has been a shadow of himself since picking up an injury three years ago. The two seasons leading up to City’s relegation from the Premier League saw a significant drop in form, with City’s defence appearing vulnerable due to Ndidi’s poor protection. In his worst moment, he made 27 appearances in the last term but was unable to score a goal or provide an assist. In the 2021/22 campaign, Ndidi had only three-goal contributions in 31 appearances across all competitions, indicating a decline in his form.
Wilfred is the driving force of Leicester up the table
Since moving to Leicester, Ndidi’s highest goal contribution ratio has been in the 2017–18 and 2020–21 seasons, when he scored one goal and had four assists each time.
However, the 2016–17 season was the finest for the footballer from Lagos, who scored six goals and added one assist in 57 games.
Ndidi has equalled his all-time best goal contributions this season, proving his return to his best form. He was deemed surplus to the team and almost sent out on loan, is one of only two players to have featured in every match for the Foxes this term. His tally of three goals, two in the Carabao Cup and one in the Championship, matches his best-scoring season for the club. In 2020, Barcelona considered Ndidi as a longtime replacement for Sergio Busquets, who left the club last transfer window. However, the Catalans are keen on signing him in 2024 when his contract with the Foxes expires. Leicester had relied on Ndidi for so long, as he provided security and made their defence more vulnerable.
Related news>>> The Strategic Choice by Enzo Maresca That Sparked Leicester City’s Remarkable Transformation
