Leicester
5.4 tackles, 36 interceptions – 3 reasons why this £15m star holds the key to Leicester’s success
Three reasons why Ndidi holds the key to Leicester City’s success
According to a recent report by Leicestershire Live, Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has claimed that defensive midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is “absolutely key” to his side’s successes this season.
The £15m Nigerian has been one of the key figures and has helped Rodgers’ Leicester attain the second position in the table with 26 points.
An unsung hero, Ndidi is one of the main reasons behind Leicester topping the charts with most tackles recorded per game (22.2) across the top-five leagues in Europe, as claimed by Whoscored.
Unlike star striker Jamie Vardy and playmaker James Maddison, Ndidi is not somebody to walk away with all the limelight. And there is ample reason behind it.
In Rodgers’ own words, however, he is the one doing all the ‘dirty work’, according to Leicestershire Live.
The Foxes have conceded a mere 8 goals this season – the lowest by any team playing in the Premier League. And Leicester owe it all to their 22-year-old Nigerian sensation.
To be precise, let’s statistically evaluate as to why the Foxes midfielder is an inevitable element in Leicester’s excellent run of form this season.
Crucial player
Except for the game against Sheffield United, Ndidi has featured in every other match this season. The Nigerian has repaid his boss’ faith in him with consistent displays on the pitch.
He has scored two goals till now – one of which came against Chelsea, where he was robbed off the ball by Mason Mount but responded superbly by scoring an equalizer.
Top performer
From a statistical point of view, the defensive midfielder has been their top performer of the season with an overall rating of 7.71. Only James Maddison has come close with 7.61.
He is only third behind Manchester City stars Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez, both of whom have scores of 7.85 and 7.74 respectively.
Best defensive player
With 36 interceptions to his name, he is the best defensive player in the league at the moment. Bournemouth star Philip Billing trails him with 30 interceptions.
His average of 5.4 successful tackles and 3.3 interceptions per match is an applaudable achievement for a midfielder of his age.
Also, his on-field displays have been of immense help to the Leicester defenders, who should thank him for reducing their workload.
Verdict
Taking all this into account, it is not surprising for the Foxes manager to heap praise upon this gem of a defensive midfielder.
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By all means, Ndidi has displayed enormous maturity for someone of his age and will be key in Leicester’s run for a top-three finish this season.
Marc Skinner’s side continued their unbeaten start to 2026 in the Women’s Super League with a deserved 2-0 victory over Leicester at the King Power Stadium. Swedish star Julia Zigiotti Olme was key to United’s win with a goal and an assist, while super sub Elisabeth Terland made the game safe late on.
United started brightly and were ahead after 13 minutes when Zigiotti Olme’s cross beat Olivia Clark and crept in at the far post. Melvine Malard was twice denied by Clark before halftime as United dominated but couldn’t extend their lead.
The pressure eventually told late on when Terland made the game safe. Zigiotti Olme won the ball back high up the pitch and fed Terland, who showed great footwork to fire a low shot across the goal to seal a deserved victory.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (7/10): Called into action on several occasions but looked confident with no real scares.
Hanna Lundkvist (6/10): Did a good job filling in. Had a chance from a corner but couldn’t keep her header down.
Maya Le Tissier (7/10): Commanding performance from the captain who dealt comfortably with Leicester’s threat.
Dominique Janssen (7/10): Good shift alongside Le Tissier as Leicester struggled to cause problems.
Anna Sandberg (8/10): Strong showing from left back, always getting forward with good deliveries. Lucky to escape a penalty shout.
Midfield & Attack
Hinata Miyazawa (7/10): Great partnership with Zigiotti Olme on show again. Sent in an excellent ball for Schuller.
Julia Zigiotti Olme (8/10): United’s best player by a distance. Broke deadlock with cross that crept in before teeing up Terland. Absolutely outstanding.
Lisa Naalsund (6/10): Really quiet showing after starring against Liverpool. Hooked just after the hour.
Jess Park (6/10): Not at her best as Leicester kept her quiet. Engineered a chance, but the ball got stuck under her feet.
Lea Schuller (7/10): Her presence might have distracted the goalkeeper for the opener. Worked hard up front.
Melvine Malard (8/10): A real nuisance, making great runs. Had sights on the goal but couldn’t beat Clark.
Subs & Manager
Jayde Riviere (7/10): Solid showing off the bench. Good block on Alisha Lehmann late on.
Fridolina Rolfo (6/10): Had some good moments but couldn’t conjure up the second goal.
Elisabeth Terland (8/10): Loves scoring against Leicester. Five goals in five outings against the Foxes. Incredible record.
Simi Awujo (7/10): Forced Clark into a good save. Looked lively.
Marc Skinner (7/10): Happy with the win but disappointed by the margin. United dominated but needs more ruthlessness in front of the goal.
Also read: Manchester United WFC vs. Liverpool WFC : Predicted Lineups + Match Preview
Leicester City Women host Manchester United at the King Power Stadium on Sunday as both sides look to strengthen their positions in the WSL table. The Foxes sit ninth with 12 points from 14 matches, while United occupy fifth place with 27 points, just one point behind third placed Arsenal in the race for automatic Champions League qualification.
Marc Skinner’s side comes into this match full of confidence after reaching the Women’s League Cup final with a 1-0 victory over Arsenal. However, they then suffered a setback with a 4-1 defeat at Aston Villa, meaning United desperately need three points to keep pace with the top three. Leicester have been transformed under Rick Passmoor and will fancy their chances of causing an upset.
Kick-off: 14:00 GMT, Saturday, 7 February 2026
Venue: King Power Stadium, Leicester
TV: Sky Sports and WSL YouTube
United Must Bounce Back From Villa Hammering
Manchester United’s 4-1 defeat at Aston Villa was a shocking result that exposed defensive frailties Skinner thought he had solved. Ella Toone remains out until March with a hip injury, robbing United of their most creative midfielder during a crucial period in the season.
Fridolina Rolfo should return after missing the Villa match, while Gabby George and Leah Galton remain sidelined. Elisabeth Terland has struggled for form recently despite scoring against Villa, netting just two goals since her flying start to the campaign. Ellen Wangerheim could feature after impressing in recent weeks.
Lehmann Arrival Transforms Leicester Attack
Leicester have been revitalized since Rick Passmoor took charge, steadying the ship after a difficult start to the season. The January signing of Alisha Lehmann from FC Como represents a major coup for the Foxes, bringing WSL experience and proven quality from her time with West Ham, Everton and Aston Villa.
Rachel Williams, signed from Tottenha,m provides another attacking threat alongside Jutta Rantala. This is a genuinely dangerous Leicester side capable of punishing any complacency from United, who cannot afford another slip up in their top three pursuit.
Predicted Lineups
Leicester (4-2-3-1): Leitzig; Nevin, Howard, Pacheco, Goodwin; Cain, Whelan; Lehmann, Tierney, Chan; Williams
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Tullis-Joyce; Lundkvist, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg; Miyazawa, Naalsund; Malard, Terland, Rolfo; Schuller
Also read: Arsenal WFC vs. Leicester City WFC: Predicted Lineups + Match Preview
Arsenal Dragon
Arsenal WFC Send 19-Year-Old to Swedish Club Rosengard on Loan After Cancelling Leicester Spell Over Lack of Game Time
Arsenal have completed a loan move for young centre back Cecily Wellesley Smith, sending the 19-year-old to Swedish club FC Rosengard for the remainder of the season.
The decision comes after Arsenal cancelled her season long spell with Leicester City in early January due to concerns over limited playing time.
Wellesley Smith made just one appearance during her entire time with the Foxes, which is frankly unacceptable for a talented youngster who needs regular senior football to develop properly. Arsenal were absolutely right to pull the plug and find her a more suitable loan destination.
Leicester Spell Failed to Deliver
The decision to end her Leicester loan was taken at the start of January, five days before her 19th birthday. The young defender signed her first professional contract with Arsenal in June 2025 after coming through the academy and was part of the squad that won the 2024/25 PGA League Under 21 Division One title.
Wellesley Smith is a versatile centre back who can operate on both sides of the defence, and she is a regular England youth international having featured at both the UEFA European Women’s Under 17 Championship and the FIFA Under 17 World Cup.
Swedish League Offers Perfect Platform
The youngster spoke positively about her new environment at Rosengard. “The Swedish league is good and I’ve heard good things from other teammates, Swedish players from Arsenal like Stina, Smilla, say good things about the league and everything. I’m just excited to be here, excited to play and can’t wait to get started.”
Rosengard described Wellesley Smith as a leader who sets the tone both defensively and in the build up. This is a smart move from Arsenal, ensuring one of their brightest prospects gets the regular game time she deserves.
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