Leicester City produced a rousing display as the Foxes returned to winning ways for the first time in five Premier League matches by beating Aston Villa. Brendan Rodgers’ side were at their explosive best and made light work of the relegation-threatened opposition who were dispatched 4-0. Jamie Vardy bagged a brace, scoring for the first time since December, extending his lead as the Premier League’s top scorer having scored 19 goals this season. But it was Harvey Barnes who stole the show, also bagging a brace, along with laying down his claim as a late inclusion to the England squad.
No player had more shots than the 22-year-old winger’s four, three of which were on target, while he also played one key pass and dribbled around two opposition players, as per WhoScored. It was a captivating performance from one of the Foxes’ breakthrough stars this season, who has now found the back of the net six times in the Premier League, along with providing six assists. His attacking end product will have been intriguing to the England manager, as Barnes attempts to win his first Three Lions cap.
Though one criticism Southgate may have of the performance is that of Barnes’ 35 passes only 77.1 per cent reached their intended target, which included three misplaced crosses and one inaccurate long ball, as per WhoScored. Though he did not retain possession as well as some managers would hope, Barnes was consistently attempting to force the issue and create openings for others in the final third, as opposed to electing for the safe option.
Perhaps most impressively Barnes also won three tackles, along with one interception. His defensive metrics highlight how the 22-year-old pressed from the front and gave Aston Villa no time or space on the ball, something which England will be attempting to do at the upcoming European Championships.
With friendlies against Italy and Denmark around the corner, Southgate has the option to reward Barnes for his progression at club level by giving him his first England call up. The player is in outstanding form and recorded a near-perfect 9.44 match rating against the Villans laying down his claim that the promising youngster is ready to make the transition to international football.
