Leicester City brushed past ten-man Newcastle United to condemn the hosts to a third consecutive defeat and leave the Foxes in second. The win never looked in doubt for the visitors as they continue their pursuit of a Champions League place. On the day midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi was imperious, and his contribution made what could have been a challenging fixture relatively effortless for the hosts.
Defensively Ndidi has been untouchable in the Premier League this season and even one of the best holding midfielders in Europe, with only Eduardo Camavinga having averaged more tackles per game than the Foxes midfielder’s 4.2.
Against Newcastle, he was at it again making two tackles, but his positional sense and awareness is the most remarkable aspect of the Nigerian’s game, making a team-high five interceptions to stop the hosts without needing to tackle. Furthermore, he made two clearances to relieve pressure on the defence he was protecting and ensure his side kept another Premier League clean sheet.
Only the mercurial James Maddison made more passes from midfield than Ndidi’s 75. The Nigerian was as assured as ever in the middle of the park, scarcely misplacing a pass with an 88 per cent accuracy. He kept the vast majority of his passes within a short-range, but when he attempted a long ball, it reached one of the Nigerian’s teammates. To top off an excellent display he also played a fellow Foxes player through on goal and registered his first assist in the Premier League this term.
Defensive scenarios are Ndidi’s area of expertise, but he did reach advanced regions to take on a solo effort, but it was wide of the target. Further complaints of his performance in an attacking sense came via conceding possession through an unsuccessful touch and being dispossessed. But those are minor gripes, and the priority for the midfielder is ensuring defensive stability so the wing backs can bomb forwards and he was rewarded for his defensive efforts with an eighth clean sheet of the season.
Ndidi is rapidly turning into one of, if not, Leicester City’s most important players. The Foxes might have a job to keep hold of him in the summer if his performances continue to sparkle as he did against Newcastle.
