Attacking Midfield Problem?

With Dennis Praet injured and out till April at the very least, Brendan Rodgers said in his press conference there is a need for an attacking midfielder with only Maddison and Tielemans available in those positions right now. Academy graduate Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, on loan at Luton Town, would have been the perfect fit were it possible to call him back from his loan. Unfortunately, the date to call him back in the loan contract has passed.

The other option is scouting the transfer market for loan or buy options. While transfer rumours have stated that there was an initial approach for Christian Eriksen, LCFC fans have realized that the budget and the players available are a mismatch as of now.

In case the transfer window opens and closes without Leicester City signing an attacking midfield player on loan or permanent signing let’s take a look at the options we have in-house:

Option 1:

Ayoze Pérez:

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He currently plays fas a right sided winger, although Brendan Rodgers has recently tried him out as a forward in the absence of Vardy. He has been stated publicly that his preferred position is to play in the middle. This would be a perfect opportunity to play him there.

Negative

With the news that Jamie Vardy being injured and out for a few weeks, its seems that Ayoze Perez has been name checked as one of strikers available by Brendan Rodgers. That might rule him out as an attacking midfielder.

Option 2:

Harvey Barnes:

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He has made the left wing position his own to such an extent that he’s gained an England call up. Scoring goals, terrifying right backs and providing assists, this season he’s coming of age and showing what he can do to the opposition defense.

On some of his loan’s spells at West Brom, Barnsley and MK Dons he has played behind the striker as well as in the middle while scoring goals and performing well. His father, a former football player himself has stated in an interview that sees Harvey Barnes eventually playing in the middle instead of the wings. Seems like the perfect time to test it out.

Being able to score with both his feet is an added advantage that he would have in this position. Opposition players wouldn’t know which way to move when he has the ball.

Negative:

The downside to this would be Leicester losing his pace and ability on the wing and being the only constant winger on team while the right-side wing has hand constant change.

However, with Leicester having Marc Albrighton, Cengiz Ünder and Demarai Gray still on the team as wingers, as well as Brendon Rodgers willing to give Ricardo Pereira a try, there this might be a good solution.

Option 3:

Academy Player – Callum Wright:

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Currently the attacking midfield has Maddison and Tielemans, so this position would be ideally be in Cup games or in case any of them get injured. Brendon Rodgers hasn’t shown any hesitancy in calling up the academy players like Luke Thomas.

He is currently the captain of the Under 23’s made 16 appearances for them while scoring 6 times and has 3 assists. He has even played for the England Under 18s and was bought from Blackburn with the eventual aim of playing for the first team. Seems like a perfect chance to try him out.

So who do you think should play incase LCFC are unable to get an attacking midfielder in this transfer window?