Leicester City's 2015-2016 season review and player ratings
The unexpected champions of the Premier League, Leicester City have been over the moon after having clinched the title on the back of an outstanding season. The Foxes were able to capitalise on a strong start to the season unlike other teams like West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Arsenal. A run of 11 games without a defeat went a long way in helping their cause. This meant that Leicester City won their first ever top-flight title in their 132-year history. The Foxes were managed outstandingly by their manager Claudio Ranieri, who helped his side to bag a tally of 81 points from the 38 games. The Champions only lost thrice in the campaign, twice against Arsenal and away at Liverpool.
The great attacking form showed by the duo of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez led to the latter winning the PFA Player of the Year. Winning the title and qualifying for the Champions League transformed the season into the greatest in the club’s history. We look at how the Leicester City players fared through the season:
Kasper Schmeichel – 8/10
The younger Schmeichel played all 38 games for his side, making crucial saves to keep the Foxes ahead of the pack and was always strong between the posts.
Christian Fuchs – 7/10
The Austrian was also a regular for the Champions having featured in 34 games. He was solid at the back, defending the flanks well, and proving to be a good assister for his forwards.
Robert Huth – 9/10
The 31-year-old central defender was at his best throughout the season, having defended well with his physicality. But it was his three goals which stood out, as one of them came in a crucial win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Wes Morgan – 9/10
The captain led his side from the front, but literally from the back, as he was solid throughout the campaign, showing fight and character. It was arguably his best season ever.
Danny Simpson – 7/10
The right-back was troubled by faster opponents but did well to stand tall against the odds to finish the season strongly.
Marc Albrighton – 7/10
The former Aston Villa man made the ultimate decision of his life when he left strugglers Aston Villa for Leicester City at the beginning of the season. He was creative in the middle of the park for the Foxes with 6 assists to his name and broke up the play whenever the opposition looked to threaten.
Daniel Drinkwater – 8/10
The Englishman had a superb season in the midfield for his side which led to his call-up to the England squad for the Euros 2016.
Nathan Dyer – 6/10
The loanee from Swansea City made 13 substitute appearances for the Foxes and managed to score just one goal and get one assist.
N’Golo Kante – 9/10
The Frenchman was the find of the season for the Premier League as a whole as he dominated the midfield with his solid tackling and passing.
Andy King – 7/10
The long-time serving Leicester player made 25 appearances for his team, mostly as a substitute but did well to keep up with his teammates.
Riyad Mahrez – 10/10
The Algerian gave his opponents nightmares with his attacking play as he scored some beauties throughout the season. He was the PFA Player of the Season for his 17 goals and 11 assists.
Jefferey Schlupp – 7/10
The 23-year old made 24 appearances during the campaign and proved himself with pacey attacking play on the flanks.
Demarai Gray – 7/10
The 19-year-old youngster caught the eye of the fans with his substitute appearances for the side as he brought pace to the Foxes’ play.
Shinji Okazaki – 9/10
Being a regular starter for the Foxes, the Japanese did not play the complete 90 minutes in most of the games, but it was his selfless work-rate and hard work that makes it a great season for him.
Leonardo Ulloa – 8/10
The forward came on for Okazaki in most of the games, playing in the second half of most games. But it was his determination to do well that led him to get some crucial goals for his side.
Jamie Vardy – 10/10
The Englishman was in prime form throughout the season and led Leicester’s surprise title charge with his 24 goals and 6 assists, making him the best feature in Leicester’s fairytale season.