Leicester City are the story of the season! They have defied all pre-season predictions, walked over the opposition and are now hanging tough to the top of the
Premiere League table. A year ago, no one could have foreseen this. What they have accomplished is a two-finger salute to all the elite clubs and their ambitions. Their formula to success has always been there, but in the modern game, has become unfashionable. Big teams won't touch it; they want beautiful or total football. Football that starves the opponents of possession. but, the Foxes will have nothing of this. But, what is it really with this dream of a team that made it click this season?
1. Claudio Ranieri
Claudio Ranieri took the job as Leicester manager without any extra baggage nor fanfare. No major titles to brag about; no new system to impose on the players; but, most importantly, Ranieri has no self-inflated ego. He didn't try to implement any drastic changes in the system that was already in place. There were no complicated offensive and defensive fomations to learn. No new roles or new positions to adjust to.
2. A System Based On Strength And Capabilities
Ranieri didn't impose drastic changes in the system that saved Leicester from relegation. That system, in fact, is the most basic football you'll ever see in any top-flight league. A system that gave the men upfront to be creative and almost autonomous. And it worked perfectly, because everyone has been given enough freedom to be the best, collectively and individually. He didn't change the core of his line-up, consisting of men who have been everywhere. Journeymen who didn't fit-in with their previous clubs. And Ranieri made sure they played to their strengths and not to what he wants them to be.
3. No Expectations, Nothing To Lose
There are no stars in this club. No Rooneys, no Terrys, no Berahinos even. Just a bunch of motley misfits. I'm talking about Robert Huth, Leonardo Ulloa, Danny Drinkwater, et al. Talented individuals, but were square pegs to the round hole of the game. As fate would have it, these square pegs now constitute the rock-solid foundation of Leicester City Football Club. And of course, there are Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez. They don't have crazy salaries of superstars. They just love playing football!
4. Hard Work, No Flair
They fight for every possession; they hound the enemy and force turnovers; they run the length of the field for 90 minutes. They play like every game is a relegation battle. They don't make the game complicated. They are showing that there is beauty in simplicity. They are proving that there is still no alternative to honest to goodness hard work. That is how football is supposed to be played!
5. Jamie Vardy
Jamie Vardy is fast becoming the King Fox! After several years spent in frustration, he almost hung up his boots before the start of the season. He's not as talented as his predecessors, but what he lacks in talent he makes up with heart and energy. The system Ranieri injected into the football club has revitalized Vardy. He has been given the freedom to play his game to complement that of his attacking partners. His partnership and familiarity with Riyad Mahrez has worked wonders for the club. He has no fear. He expects to be taken down by opposing defenders every game, yet he carries on. He is not fazed by some of the more illustrious names in the other team's roster. He believes he's as good as anyone else, and he demands the same respect on the pitch. His actions are contagious, and has infected the other players. Jamie Vardy is to Leicester what Eden Hazard was to
Chelsea last season. A dynamo, a catalyst, an inspiration, an enigma to the opposition. He's also proven recently that he can take the Jamie Vardy show to France this summer. It will be interesting what he can bring to the table when the Three Lions begin their campaign at
Euro 2016.
The Bad Tackle
Leicester will definitely grind their way to the English Premiere League title this season. Weird twists have been known to happen in the EPL, but I don't see anything
Tottenham and
Arsenal can do until the last day which can displace the Foxes from the apex. This early, I would like to extend my congratulations to everyone connected with Leicester City Football Club, and the supporters for winning the title. You are deserving champions! Enjoy it while you can. Next season will be different.
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