Disjointed defence, collapsed midfield, fruitless attack and poor leadership qualities!
These are few of the problems Leicester City had last season as they surrendered their title won a year go to Chelsea even before the half of the season.
They were able to avoid relegation though, after finishing 12th on the log. However, it’s a new transfer window and the club has been making efforts in injecting new blood into the team.
Catching almost everyone by surprise was the signing of former Sevilla skipper, Vicente Iborra. More surprising was the fact that he was bought for a reported fee of just £10.5m.
Left his mark at Sevilla
Despite not given many opportunities by the then new coach Jorge Sampaoli, his impact on the team’s performances cannot be underestimated.
Sevilla only lost two of the 12 games he started in the league – at Barcelona and Athletic Club away. Iborra also made a huge difference in the derby match against Real Betis, scoring the winning goal after coming on a halftime substitute.
“Three Europa Leagues, 172 games and 30 goals are the numbers of a colossus that beyond their achievements will remain in the memory for their leadership in and out of the field”, stated the statement released by Sevilla after his departure.
Versatile and a true leader
Indeed, Iborra is a player who has the needed leadership qualities at Leicester City.
His leadership qualities-coupled with those of the likes of Wes Morgan- will be give Leicester City a strong spine next season; something that was responsible for their Premier League triumph in 2015/2016 season.
His versatility is also something to behold. During his years at Sevilla, Iborra played as a defensive midfielder; a role which made it possible for him to drop deep in the midfield and shield the defence..
While Iborra can also play as a centre-back defender, his slow pace may prove costly as his weakness will be easily exploited.
He is also a goalscoring threat
Iborra scored nine, eight and seven goals in the last three seasons for Sevilla, despite never being a regular forward; a proof that he can proffer more grit for Leicester City in their scoring department.
His impact off the bench is also awesome. Factually, Vicente Iborra is the first midfielder to have scored a hat-trick as substitute in the 21st century in La Liga.
Bargain signing
Iborra led Sevilla, as the team won impressive total of three consecutive Europa League titles! What else can Leicester City want from a £10.5m player?
Truly, he is a package sent from Spain!
Written by Adesuyi Adeola Ade Bob
Follow Adesuyi on Twitter @VoiceOfAdeBob
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