Leicester City’s Impressive Tactical Evolution Under Brendan Rodgers (2019-20)
Leicester City stormed into the 2019-20 Premier League season with remarkable momentum, dropping only one of their opening seven fixtures. Under the leadership of Brendan Rodgers, the Foxes not only achieved strong early results but also transformed their playing identity, moving from their well-known counter-attacking roots to a sophisticated possession-focused style. The approach has revived Leicester’s status among England’s top sides, reminiscent of their incredible 2015-16 title run. This analysis investigates the tactical blueprint and key contributors fueling Leicester’s exciting resurgence.
Embracing a Modern 4-1-4-1: Structure and Personnel
A central feature of Leicester City’s transformation is Rodgers’ implementation of a 4-1-4-1 formation, heavily influenced by elite European philosophies. Whereas previous managers leaned towards deep-lying, compact football, Rodgers introduced a system that prioritizes maintaining possession and controlling play through midfield.
Over the first seven games, Leicester averaged nearly 55% possession—ranking fifth in the league—a clear indication of their new on-ball dominance. The foundation of this system is 22-year-old Wilfred Ndidi occupying the holding role, allowing central midfielders James Maddison and Youri Tielemans to push further forward.
The formation not only shapes the midfield structure but enables fullbacks—Ricardo Pereira and Ben Chilwell—to take up advanced positions. This creates width and attacking opportunities from deep, an evolution from previous styles. Homegrown talents such as Harvey Barnes and Hamza Choudhury, along with defender Caglar Soyuncu, have earned significant opportunities, highlighting Rodgers’ trust in youthful exuberance.
Key figures and their roles:
– Wilfred Ndidi: Essential anchor shielding the defense and linking play
– James Maddison & Youri Tielemans: Advanced creators, combining technical flair with scoring threat
– Ricardo Pereira & Ben Chilwell: Progressive fullbacks providing width, crossing, and attacking impetus
– Jamie Vardy: Leading the line, combining direct running with improved hold-up and link play
Fullback Freedom and Influence in Attack
A defining characteristic of Leicester’s setup is the attacking freedom given to Ricardo Pereira and Ben Chilwell. Their energetic overlapping runs and creative output have been instrumental in the Foxes’ positive start, contributing both goals and assists early in the campaign.
Chilwell, in particular, has elevated his status, earning selection as England’s first-choice left-back. His attributes include:
– Outstanding 1v1 defending
– Accurate long-range passing and deliveries into the box
– Ability to stretch opposition lines by maintaining high and wide positions
On the right, Ricardo Pereira’s explosive pace and direct dribbling add unpredictability. Notably, he has contributed two goals and ranks among the team’s leaders for completed dribbles, reflecting his dual role as an attacking outlet and key ball carrier.
Both fullbacks are integral in transition phases. With support from the consistent center-back pairing of Soyuncu and Evans, and security provided by Ndidi, they are free to advance high up the field without exposing the team defensively.
Midfield Engine: The Impact of Wilfred Ndidi
Wilfred Ndidi’s presence at the base of midfield is arguably Leicester’s greatest asset this season. Statistically, he leads both the Premier League and Europe in defensive contributions, with 33 tackles and 23 interceptions recorded in just six matches. His tenacity and reading of the game allow Leicester to quickly disrupt opposition moves and launch their own attacks.
But Ndidi’s contribution is not limited to winning the ball. He displays:
– Excellent positional awareness for covering space vacated by advanced teammates
– Short and accurate passing to instigate attacks
– Aerial ability, adding defensive and occasional attacking threat during set pieces
Ndidi’s performances not only protect the back four but also provide the platform for Maddison and Tielemans to play higher up the pitch, maximizing Leicester’s creative firepower.
Attacking Versatility and Shared Goal Threat
Unlike previous seasons, Leicester’s offensive variety has reduced dependence on Jamie Vardy. While Vardy remains a consistent scorer—with five goals in seven matches—much of the creative burden has shifted towards the midfielders and wide players.
Key aspects of Leicester’s new-look attack:
– Fluidity: The team alternates between measured build-up and quick transitions, adapting to different opponents
– Interchangeable movement: Maddison and Tielemans contribute high shot volumes and create chances from distance and in tight spaces
– Fullback support: Overlapping and underlapping runs from Chilwell and Pereira stretch defenses, creating overloads out wide
Crucially, Leicester’s goals have overwhelmingly come from open play or sustained possession sequences, with only a single goal originating from a classic counter-attack—demonstrating the shift in tactical emphasis.
The front three—comprising Barnes, Ayoze Perez, and Vardy—showcase a blend of power, flair, and finishing presence, which, combined with the midfield triangle’s passing combinations, have made Leicester difficult to defend against.
Caglar Soyuncu: Defensive Reinforcement After Maguire
Replacing a player of Harry Maguire’s calibre posed a significant challenge, but Turkish defender Caglar Soyuncu has filled the void admirably. At 23, Soyuncu quickly formed a solid partnership with Jonny Evans, excelling in both 1v1 defensive situations and in distributing the ball from deep.
His individual contributions include:
– 18 tackles (third highest in the squad)
– Strong positional awareness and anticipation
– Proficiency in initiating counter-attacks with incisive passing
Soyuncu’s integration has given Leicester a composed, physical, and technically capable option at centre-back, all of which have stabilized the back line and underpinned the team’s confidence in possession.
Concluding Thoughts: A Team on the Rise
Leicester City’s resurgence under Brendan Rodgers is a testament to astute management and tactical innovation. Adopting a possession-oriented 4-1-4-1 has allowed young stars alongside seasoned leaders, such as Jamie Vardy and Kasper Schmeichel, to thrive. The chemistry in midfield, reliable defense, and dynamism of the fullbacks have built a foundation for sustained success.
While Wilfred Ndidi remains the pivotal element enabling this structure, contributions from Maddison, Tielemans, the attacking trio, and the Soyuncu-Evans partnership have all played vital roles in Leicester’s reinvention. With Rodgers at the helm and the squad continuing to improve, Leicester City look well-positioned to challenge the Premier League’s elite throughout the season.
