Wilfried Ndidi is a benchmark defensive midfielder. In recent seasons with Premier League side Leicester, he has been one of the best in the business. Together with Ngolo Kanté, he dominated the recovery statistics. He discovered a new role under Maresca with great success.
Wilfried Ndidi is having great success in his new role as Leicester's number 8.
Leicester, despite having a very good team, has joined the lower echelons of English soccer. Wilfried Ndidi finally stayed with the Foxes, despite being approached by big-name clubs such as Bayern. A huge waste for many observers.
Under the orders of the club's new coach, Enzo Maresca, a former Juventus and Seville player, the Nigerian midfielder is being used in a new role. Higher up the pitch. He now occupies the number 8 position. A position that suits him and his team perfectly. The Nigerian is becoming increasingly decisive, scoring three goals and providing one assist in his ten appearances in all competitions. He was at it again this week, in Leicester's final match against Bristol (1-0) on Saturday September 23. He provoked the penalty taken by Vardy that sealed victory.
The player has discovered a new role for himself! But his adaptation comes as no surprise given his career. He's a quick study. Indeed, Ndidi was originally a central defender during his years at the Nath Boys Academy in Lagos and with the Golden Eaglets. He was transformed into a defensive midfielder at Racing Genk, his success in this position then led him to Leicester City in January 2017 with the result we know. He has become one of the world's benchmarks in his position, if not in the Premier League.
In a new chapter of his career, the 26-year-old international is still enjoying success. Even so, this must be qualified by the difference in level with the Premier League. To make a definitive judgement, the player will need to flourish in this role over time and in the major leagues. For the time being, however, Maresca's bright idea has benefited Leicester, who currently top the Championship table with 7 wins from 8 Premier League games and Ndidi has played every game.
My jaws still on the floor from that Ndidi goal. That chop / cut inside to send the defender the wrong way. What has Enzo done to this man? Different player. pic.twitter.com/RPpAP8spOp
— 𝙇𝘾𝙁𝘾 𝙎𝙋 (@LCFCshitposting) September 15, 2023
Wilfried Ndidi on his new role
Speaking to his club's official website, Ndidi talked about his repositioning.He praised his coach's flair."Congratulations to the manager because he's trying to help me understand the role. He's trying to help me," he repeated. He also acknowledges that his teammates, with whom he competes for the position, help him better understand his role. "The guys who naturally play that role help me too. It's a process. It's going well, but I'm going to keep going. It's very interesting because I'm trying to get into the box more often.
Wilfried Ndidi believes that his abilities have always been within him, but it was Enzo who helped him reveal them. "I've always had it, but it took Enzo to let me know that I really have it. He's trying to push me," he concluded.
Leicester are likely to miss the Nigerian international greatly during the CAN 2023 in Côte d'Ivoire. His success in this position could also give his coach ideas for the national team. Who knows?And it might just convince the most skeptical that he has what it takes to continue in this position at a higher level. Rendezvous in January to confirm whether this project is on the right track.
