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Tuesday 3 May 2016

Here's Why Every Leicester Player Deserves 10 Out of 10 After Winning The Premier League Title

Leicester City have been crowned Premier League champions after an incredible season for the Midlands club
Leicester City sealed the Premier League title without even kicking a ball as Tottenham could only manage a draw at Chelsea on Monday night.
The Foxes have sealed a momentous title triumph having been tipped by many to be relegated at the start of the season.
From Jamie Vardy's goal heroics to Claudio Ranieri's managerial masterclass, from Riyad Mahrez's wizardry to Wes Morgan's stoic defending, Leicester have been the story of the season.
Here, Sportsmail has given each of Leicester's heroes a 10 out of 10 after a season the club will never forget.



THE MOST-PICKED XI
 KASPER SCHMEICHEL - 10 
Has played every minute and been consistently excellent, producing saves that can be identified as points-earning, notably away to Tottenham, home to Manchester City and in the draw at Old Trafford. Comes off his line to avert danger, he has also played a crucial role in Leicester’s counter-attacks, distributing the ball quickly and accurately.
Appearances: 36 starts (0 subs)
Goals: 0
Key stat: Has kept 15 clean sheets this season, no Premier League keeper has more
Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel has followed in his father's footsteps in winning the Premier League title
Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel has followed in his father's footsteps in winning the Premier League title

DANNY SIMPSON - 10
Having started the season on the bench, he came into the team after Leicester’s 5-2 loss to Arsenal and been superb since. While he does get forward he defends first and is positionally sound, typically covering round any gaps in central areas. Starred in the 1-0 win over Southampton.
Appearances: 28
Goals: 0
Key stat: Has not lost by more than one goal in a Leicester shirt this season and only twice
Former Manchester United defender Danny Simpson took his chance and made the right back berth his own
Former Manchester United defender Danny Simpson took his chance and made the right back berth his own

WES MORGAN - 10
Has fulfilled his potential at the age of 32, morphing into a redoubtable defender able to cope with the Premier League’s best. Carries his huge frame well and is deceptively nimble, reading situations early. Concentrates on clearances and throwing his body in the way of shots. A true leader, he has not missed a second, and got crucial goals against Southampton and Manchester United.
Appearances: 36
Goals: 2
Key stat: Has made third most blocks in the Premier League (37) 
Wes Morgan celebrates after scoring a crucial goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday
Wes Morgan celebrates after scoring a crucial goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday

ROBERT HUTH - 10
A master of the defensive darks arts, which sometimes leads to trouble but also provides an edge all champions need, his arrival last season transformed Leicester’s fortunes. His experience and uncompromising approach aids this team, forming a granite core, particularly during this crunch portion of the season. Scored vital goals at Manchester City and Tottenham.
Appearances: 35
Goals: 3
Key stat: Has made the fourth-most clearances in the Premier League (258)
Robert Huth has been a rock at the back for Leicester this season with his vast experience aiding the club
Robert Huth has been a rock at the back for Leicester this season with his vast experience aiding the club

CHRISTIAN FUCHS - 10
Austria’s captain is a really classy left-back, smart, athletic and a set piece expert. His corners are consistently good – his centre led to Huth’s header at Spurs that has proved so important – and he can pick a pass in open play too, setting up Vardy’s goal against Manchester United with a perfectly-weighted ball.
Appearances: 28 (2)
Goals: 0
Key stat: His four assists have led to five additional points for Leicester
Christian Fuchs (left) has impressed at left back having signed from Bundesliga side Schalke last summer
Christian Fuchs (left) has impressed at left back having signed from Bundesliga side Schalke last summer

RIYAD MAHREZ - 10
Simply wondrous talent who has hit staggering heights this season. As well as 17 Premier League goals and 11 assists, his quality has shone through in those deft touches and sharp turns. Standing out is the dummy to send three Aston Villa defenders to the turf simultaneously and stunning goals against Watford and Chelsea.
Appearances: 34 (1)
Goals: 17
Key stat: His goals and assists have directly led to Leicester winning 30 points
Riyad Mahrez's goals and assists this season have led to 30 points and he was named PFA Player of the Year
Riyad Mahrez's goals and assists this season have led to 30 points and he was named PFA Player of the Year

N’GOLO KANTE - 10
Earning Sir Alex Ferguson’s vote as the best player this season is a resounding validation of his incredible exploits in Leicester’s midfield. His energy, intelligence, and workrate have given rise to comparisons of superheroism. As Gary Lineker wrote: ‘If planet Earth was ever under threat from an asteroid, I'm pretty sure that Kante would intercept it.’
Appearances: 31 (4)
Goals: 1
Key stat: Has made more tackles (158) and interceptions (148) than any other Premier League player
N'Golo Kante arrived from the French second division and has been an integral member of the starting XI
N'Golo Kante arrived from the French second division and has been an integral member of the starting XI

DANNY DRINKWATER - 10
Deservedly earned an England call up for his performances at the fulcrum of the side. His tackling harks of a midfielder seasoned in the Championship grind, while his passing range comes from days spent as a youth at Manchester United. The early long ball to Vardy is still a trusted weapon, as the opener at Sunderland showed.
Appearances: 34
Goals: 1
Key stat: Has seven assists, five to Vardy
Danny Drinkwater, pictured challenging Wayne Rooney, won an England call up for his displays in midfield
Danny Drinkwater, pictured challenging Wayne Rooney, won an England call up for his displays in midfield

MARC ALBRIGHTON - 10
The kind of player and personality who helps win titles; very good at what he does on the pitch and a thoroughly positive presence in the dressing room. His first-time hooked balls into the channels to free Vardy have been a feature of this season, while his inswinging crosses from the left flank usually find the target.
Appearances: 33 (3)
Goals: 2
Key stat: Has only lost four times since being reintroduced to the starting line-up last season, 45 games ago
Marc Albrighton joined Leicester from Aston Villa in 2014 and has lost just four times in his last 45 games
Marc Albrighton joined Leicester from Aston Villa in 2014 and has lost just four times in his last 45 games

SHINJI OKAZAKI - 10
His industry and link up play have gone a little under the radar, but he always leaves the pitch utterly drained from covering ground. Sometimes his finishing has been somewhat scratchy but contributed spectacularly and significantly with the overhead kick to beat Newcastle.
Appearances: 27 (7)
Goals: 5
Key stat: Has only completed 90 minutes three times
Shinji Okazaki does not stop harrying defences and has worked tirelessly for his side's cause this season
Shinji Okazaki does not stop harrying defences and has worked tirelessly for his side's cause this season

JAMIE VARDY - 10 
Tremendous from the first second of the season right the way through, setting the tone for this team with his aggressive pressing and relentless drive. His rise has been a better script than any Hollywood film, from setting a new Premier League record of scoring in 11 successive games to netting his first goal for England with a backheel against Germany. Also has six assists.
Appearances: 34
Goals: 22
Key stat: First Leicester player since Gary Lineker in 1984-85 to score 20 top-flight goals
Foxes striker Jamie Vardy set a new Premier League record by scoring in 11 successive games this season
Foxes striker Jamie Vardy set a new Premier League record by scoring in 11 successive games this season

THE IMPORTANT CAMEOS
LEONARDO ULLOA - 10
Delivered the good when his side needed. Converted the last-gasp penalty to take a point from West Ham and rose to the occasion for the pressure match against Swansea with Vardy missing, scoring twice and doing plenty more beside. Changes the threat Leicester pose from the bench with his aerial ability and physicality.
Appearances: 7 (21)
Goals: 6
Key stat: The club’s record signing in a deal worth up to £10m - this summer could see that surpassed
Leonardo Ulloa celebrates after scoring a vital last-gasp penalty to draw his team level with West Ham
Leonardo Ulloa celebrates after scoring a vital last-gasp penalty to draw his team level with West Ham

JEFFREY SCHLUPP - 10
Began the season at left-back then moved upfield when Ranieri realised he needed more defensive security and scored a decisive goal in the win at Norwich. Did not play for nearly three months in the middle of the campaign due to injury but has returned to make telling contributions, notably as a half-time substitute at Watford and in the win over Swansea. Great speed and power.
Appearances: 14 (8)
Goals: 1
Key stat: Has been at the club since he was 12 years old
Jeffrey Schlupp has continued to demonstrate the intensity that has been a symbol of Leciester's success
Jeffrey Schlupp has continued to demonstrate the intensity that has been a symbol of Leciester's success

ANDY KING - 10
A loyal servant of the club, due his testimonial next season, he has chipped in with meaningful moments. Never moaned after losing his place to Kante and scored on his return to the side against West Bromwich. Consistently turned to by Ranieri.
Appearances: 7 (16)
Goals: 1
Key stat: The first player to win League One, the Championship and Premier League 
Andy King of Leicester celebrates with his team-mates after scoring on his return against West Brom
Andy King of Leicester celebrates with his team-mates after scoring on his return against West Brom
 
THE MANAGER

CLAUDIO RANIERI - 10
Arrived to an underwhelmed reaction but has confounded every expectation to achieve more than anyone thought remotely possible. The owners just wanted him to keep the club up. Has delivered a managerial masterclass by staying calm throughout and realising the quality at his disposal. He has tweaked tactics from last season to unleash potential and consistently made effective substitutions.
Claudio Ranieri applauds the travelling fans after his team drew 1-1 with Manchester United at Old Trafford
Claudio Ranieri applauds the travelling fans after his team drew 1-1 with Manchester United at Old Trafford


ViaDailyMail

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