Leicester Beat Atalanta – By Simon Mack

Leicester City 2-1 Atalanta

King Power Stadium 2^nd August 2019 19:30

Over 15,000 enjoyed a warm summer’s evening at King Power Stadium to witness the foxes last pre-season friendly before the season begins next weekend.

And it was also city’s first outing since the news of Harry Maguire’s imminent departure broke, and manager Brendan Rodgers opted to partner Jonny Evans with Turkish international Caglar Soyuncu in the heart of defence.

Much talk lately has been of Rodgers preference to add in a new centre back if the Maguire deal was ever agreed, yet Soyuncu did his chances of getting into the gaffer’s plans no harm with a decent display alongside the highly experienced Northern Irishman.

Rodgers gave the home crowd his first glimpse of the most like starting 11 come the big kick off against Wolves to date:

Schmeichel, Ricardo, Evans, Soyuncu, Chillwell, Choudhry. Maddson, Albrighton, Tielemans, Perez, Vardy

Choudhry sat in front of the back 4, and would this be the only question mark over how we will line up come the big kick off with Ndidi returning to the fold and readiness from the African Cup of Nations?

With the match underway the game quickly formed a pattern of Atlanta dictating the game. The possession and attacking opportunities were largely there’s early on, and you could clearly see the organisation and dedication that had seen them do so well last season.

But Leicester didn’t concede, and despite having to dig in steadily as the half progressed glimmers of a foxes resurgence began to creep through. Vardy latched onto a neat through ball from Perez and was only denied by the quick thinking of keeper Pierluigi Gollini who ensured the chance only earned a corner.

At the half the Italians made changes whilst the foxes retained the same 11 that had started the game, and after early exchanges Leicester took the ascendancy in the match and began to build a rhythm and level of possession that would ultimately lead to Perez latching onto a Youri Telieman’s through ball only to strike at Gollini’s legs when he only had the keeper to beat.

By now Ricardo was building up a head of steam down the right flank and his pacey endeavour lead to Perez once again picking up a pass in a dangerous area. This time the Foxes £30 million summer acquisition worked his way into the box and slotted the ball neatly home to give city a 1-0 lead.

Soon after it was vintage Vardy that put Leicester 2 up as he latched onto Christian Fuch’s (on for Chillwell) quick thinking throw and the result was the inevitable sprint into the box and a doubling of our lead.

As the second half wore on Rodgers took the opportunity to swap and change. Maddison being replaced by Silva, Barnes coming on for Albrighton and the lively Perez making way for Gray.

All evening to the far corner of King Power Stadium had been an impassioned gaggle of Altalantan supporters, and late on their enthusiasm for their side was rewarded with a spot kick converted by prolific Columbian striker Luis Muriel.

And that was that; Pre-season over.

It had ended with a victory against a highly organised and talented Italian outfit that will form credible opposition in the coming Champions League campaign.

For the foxes?

We saw an encouraging glimpse of things to come.

Highlights? Perez looks a credible threat in front of goal and a lively, tricky attacking customer to boot. Tielemans looks every bit the rising star of this squad and his talent is clear to see. Vardy looks as quick and sharp as ever, Albrighton’s work rate never falters and Ricardo’s right wing forward ‘bomber raids’ became increasingly dangerous and influential as the game aged. Then there’s Maddison: busy, creative, vocal, passionate and hugely talented.

It seems pretty likely this team will have a new defensive addition before the gold of Wolves arrives in town, but either way this team warmed impressively into this difficult match against a technically gifted and talented opposition.

Could this be the season when we challenge again for European honours? There’s no doubt this is a highly talented group, and with Rodgers experience and passion added into that mix you certainly wouldn’t bet against it.