EPL 2016/17: 5 reasons Leicester City are underperforming this season
Leicester City might have started the season as Champions but their domestic performances this season have been far from what you would expect from title holders. The Foxes have lost six of their opening 13 games in the league and have won on only three occasions.
Currently languishing in 13th position, Claudio Ranieri's side are only a couple of points above the drop zone. Leicester are desperately close to slipping into a dreaded relegation battle if they do not improve their displays.
While not many would have predicted the Foxes to retain their title, few would have imagined them struggling in the lower half of the table. Last season saw Chelsea struggle as Champions as well and the Blues went on to have one of their worst seasons in the last 20 years. Leicester will want to ensure that this trend does not carry on but they will have to get back to their very best soon.
With many wondering what has gone wrong for the Champions, here are our five reasons why Leicester have been underperforming this season:
#1 Stars haven’t turned up
Leicester City’s championship-winning season was credited to some of the team’s stand-out performers throughout the campaign. Jamie Vardy, Wes Morgan, Robert Huth and Danny Drinkwater were an integral part of Ranieri's squad last season and while all are still a vital part of the team, none have really shined this season.
Vardy scored a very impressive 24 goals last season, including netting in a record breaking 11 consecutive appearances but the England international has only managed two so far. Morgan and Huth, who were so important in the Foxes’ backline last time have been a shadow of themselves so far. They conceded only 36 goals last term but have already let in 22 this season.
Drinkwater is another player who has been below par after a series of mundane performances from one of last season’s best performers in the league. Riyad Mahrez has three goals and two assists to his name and is one of the very few players on a decent run of form.
The Leicester stars must buckle up and soon if they are to establish a good run and at least claim a top-half finish.