Leicester City season review 2018/19

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A look back at a year of mixed emotions for the Foxes.

Overview

The club’s season was overshadowed by the death of owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who was tragically killed midway through the campaign in a helicopter crash following a home match with West Ham United. Everyone associated with the club responded admirably and Leicester finished the season in 9th place.

After losing their star man Riyad Mahrez to Manchester City in the summer transfer window, the club initially found it hard to get going.

Brendan Rodgers took over from the somewhat unpopular Claude Puel in February with the club in 12th place. The Northern Irishman reverted to a possession orientated style of play which far more suited the club’s players.

Highs

The Foxes possess an abundance of young English talent and many of them caught the eye last season. James Maddison was signed from Norwich City for £25 million, teaming up with the likes of Demarai Gray, Ben Chilwell, Harvey Barnes and Hamza Choudhury.

Players like Gray and Maddison were somewhat restrained under ex-boss Puel’s tactics however the arrival of Rodgers soon changed that. Leicester were immediately able to play with freedom and enthusiasm which benefited the team massively.

Jamie Vardy proved that he still has what it takes to play at the very highest level. The striker scored 18 Premier League goals, the highest return for an Englishman in the division.

Stand out performer

James Maddison had an outstanding debut season at the club, netting 7 Premier League goals and making 7 assists. The 22-year-old often makes the game look easy with his intelligence and awareness of what’s going on around him. He is also a serious threat from dead balls, scoring the most goals from direct free kicks in the league last season (3).

Room for improvement

Leicester will probably be looking to add to their defence in the summer. Club captain Wes Morgan is now 35 and a healthy competition for places at the back would only benefit the team. They may also be keen to recruit a new attacker with Jamie Vardy the only out and out striker contributing goals to the team.

One to watch

Hamza Choudhury had a fantastic year for The Foxes. His combative approach and tireless work rate has seen him get a decent amount of game time and he will be hoping to build on last season with even more opportunities next year.

Next season

The 2015/16 Premier League winners will be looking forward to a full season under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers. The club will be hoping they can sign Youri Tielemans on a permanent deal after a successful loan spell and continue to progress as an exciting young squad.