Understated: this Leicester City player isn’t getting the credit he deserves – opinion | OneFootball

Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City are flying high in the dizzy heights of second place in the Premier League, and while most of the squad are being lavished with praise, one player has not received much, even though he’s been dishing it out to his teammates.

Jonny Evans’ move to the King Power Stadium is beginning to look like an inspired one, after West Brom were relegated the Northern Irish international cost the Foxes just £3.5m; an absolute steal. Though this season his counterpart Caglar Soyuncu has filled Harry Maguire’s boots with his commanding displays, it is the no-nonsense Evans who has allowed the more eccentric half of the duo to flourish.

Against Aston Villa during the 4-1 victory at the weekend the duo were imperious, both making three interceptions apiece, while Evans colossal nine clearances got rid of any looming danger. Though neither of the pair were drawn into making a single tackle, it is an indicator of their telepathic relationship and outstanding positional sense.

When Maguire departed for Manchester United late in the window with little time to secure a replacement, people expected Leicester City to search for a replacement.

However, they promoted Soyuncu, who has slotted in seamlessly alongside the Northern Irishman, and they are fast becoming the toughest pair to beat in the Premier League. Their record together this season has been staggering, after 16 games the Foxes have conceded just ten goals. It would be easy to assume that their title bid was put together on the back of Jamie Vardy’s astonishing record in front of goal, but that is not the case. Leicester City haven’t just been outscoring sides, they’re beating them at both ends of the pitch.

There can be no doubt Evans has rediscovered his best form under Rodgers’ tutelage, relative to last season the defender is making more tackles and committing a third fewer fouls. Furthermore, his distribution has improved, averaging 63.1 passes per game compared to 42.9 and with a higher success rate.

Having been introduced to the Premier League by Sir Alex Ferguson, it is a significant compliment to say Rodgers has improved Evans, but he never looked this assured in a Manchester United shirt.

At 31-years-old, he has a vast amount of experience to guide Leicester City back to the Champions League, making a return to the competition himself, and to keep them there. While his performances have not gone unnoticed, he perhaps deserves a little more credit for helping transform his club so rapidly.