Leicester City’s Championship Revival: A Tactical Analysis of the 2023-24 Season
From Stunning Premier League Triumph to Championship Dominance
Leicester City’s journey over the past decade is both captivating and instructive. In 2016, the Foxes stunned the football world by securing the Premier League title with a squad of largely overlooked talent—an event that continues to be cited as one of the greatest sporting surprises. Despite this high, their form faltered in subsequent seasons. Brendan Rodgers managed to keep them competitive in the top flight and even secure European spots, but the club’s unexpected relegation in 2022-23 marked a dramatic downturn. Under new manager Enzo Maresca, Leicester City have swiftly reestablished themselves as a force, dominating the Championship and positioning themselves for a strong return to the Premier League.
Maresca’s Blueprint: The Transition to a 4-3-3 System
Under Maresca, Leicester have adopted a 4-3-3 tactical formation, marking a clear departure from the 4-1-4-1 and 4-2-3-1 systems often used by Rodgers. The new setup reflects a focus on possession and fluidity in midfield, with Harry Winks acting as the deep-lying playmaker. Winks offers precise distribution and intelligent movement, while Wilfred Ndidi has transitioned into an energetic box-to-box midfielder—already contributing seven goals this campaign, a notable uptick from his previous, more defensively focused role.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been the standout performer, thriving in an advanced creative role. His tally of 8 goals and 9 assists far surpasses his previous best in the Premier League, underlining his growth and importance to the squad. The combination of these midfield roles has allowed Leicester to dictate play and simultaneously provide defensive cover and attacking thrust.
Key Additions and Refined Roles Across the Pitch
Maresca has also enhanced the squad with smart acquisitions and role adjustments. Wingers Stephy Mavididi and Abdul Fatawu have injected pace, dribbling prowess, and direct goal threat from the flanks, teaming up for 22 goal contributions between them. Veteran striker Jamie Vardy remains an important figure, supported by Patson Daka, Kelechi Iheanacho, and emerging talent Tom Cannon.
Defensively, Mads Hermansen’s arrival in goal has restored the sense of reliability once personified by Kasper Schmeichel, while also improving distribution from the back. Full-backs Ricardo Pereira and James Justin offer both defensive assurance and attacking support. In central defense, Wout Faes and Jannik Vestergaard provide stability, aided by the versatility of Callum Doyle and the leadership of Conor Coady when deployed.
Leicester’s Playstyle: Ball Control and Tactical Adaptability
Leicester’s philosophy under Maresca is predicated on sustained possession and well-structured build-up play. The Foxes average 65% possession per match—second only to Southampton in the league—thanks to their confidence and technical ability. Their offense is built from the back, with Winks dropping deep to create a diamond alongside the goalkeeper and center-backs, facilitating quick, short passes through the thirds.
The team alternates between different build shapes, often shifting from a 2+2 in deep areas to a 3+2 as play advances. James Justin typically stays deeper while Ricardo Pereira pushes higher, exploiting spaces and creating overloads. Dewsbury-Hall leverages these patterns to occupy dangerous half-spaces, especially on Leicester’s left, where combinations with Mavididi are particularly effective.
Leicester are also adept at vertical passing and attacking transitions, exploiting both up-back-and-through patterns and direct balls in behind using the speed of their forwards. Their strikers can drop deep to link play, drawing defenders and creating space for runners such as Ndidi or the wide attackers.
Attacking Patterns and Creative Solutions
– Build from the back using Winks’ passing and movement.
– Use 3+2 shapes in midfield to establish attacking platforms.
– Prioritize left-sided attacks with Dewsbury-Hall and Mavididi.
– Execute quick switches of play and up-back-and-through passing to exploit defensive gaps.
– Maintain fluid involvement of forward players, facilitating both overlapping and inward runs.
Defensive Organization and Areas for Improvement
Defensively, Leicester shift to a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-1-1 when out of possession, with central midfielders supporting Winks during transitions. The team applies zonal or situational man-orientation, pressing individually as the ball enters specific zones while the rest maintain a compact shape. Full-backs or center-backs are ready to step up or cover, ensuring gaps are promptly filled.
Leicester excel at forcing errors rather than relying on aggressive tackles, a tactic that has seen them concede just 18 goals in 26 matches—averaging 0.7 goals against per game. However, defending set pieces remains a vulnerability. The Foxes have conceded eight goals from set plays, ranking among the weaker teams in this aspect. The main issues are insufficient physicality and a sometimes passive zonal approach that can leave threats unchallenged, particularly when contesting second balls.
Looking Ahead: Premier League Readiness
Leicester City’s resurgence in the Championship has been driven by smart recruitment, clear tactical identity, and player reinvention. With a ten-point lead at the top of the table, promotion seems likely. However, to thrive in the Premier League next season, additions in key areas—especially more aggression in set-piece defense and perhaps further squad depth—will be crucial.
Enzo Maresca’s tactical approach has transformed the club into one of the most dominant sides in the league’s recent history. Their strong foundation of proven Premier League quality mixed with fresh talent and a modern tactical philosophy has set Leicester up for a promising return to the top flight. The focus now turns to fine-tuning their approach and ensuring continued progression as they aim to reestablish themselves among English football’s elite.
