Leicester City currently have five senior wingers in the squad: Abdul Fatawu, Jordan Ayew, Stephy Mavididi, Bobby Decordova-Reid, and Kasey McAteer. Steve Cooper has started four of them in the Premier League so far, with McAteer making a sole substitute appearance. The manager has not used the same winger pairing consecutively, suggesting he is undecided on his best wingers for either side.
In Leicester’s last two matches, Ayew has been the only winger to start twice, with Fatawu and Mavididi starting once each. Since starting the Foxes’ opening fixtures, Decordova-Reid has been sparsely utilised, playing less than five minutes in Leicester’s past two games.
Abdul Fatawu is the best option on the right flank
Despite being dropped against Crystal Palace, Fatawu looks to be Cooper’s best option on the right flank. The Ghana international is taking time to adjust to the Premier League but remains one of Leicester’s biggest threats. The winger has immense potential and should be given game time to realise it.
An underrated aspect of Fatawu’s game is his defending. The youngster works incredibly hard out of possession, which helps Leicester tactically. When Victor Kristiansen pushes up on the left flank, James Justin tucks in as an inverted full-back to create a three-at-the-back defence. This leaves the right flank vulnerable for Leicester. Fulham targeted this weakness at Craven Cottage and scored the winner through that flank. Fatawu’s work rate reduced that risk as he effectively became a wing back out of possession.
Stephy Mavididi should partner Abdul Fatawu on the wings
Mavididi appears to be the best option as the left winger. Although he does frustrate by losing the ball in precarious positions at times, he remains a big threat with his dribbling ability. He is Leicester’s most direct player and has been decisive in the final third. His pace also makes him effective on the counter.
Ayew’s ability to keep the ball and draw fouls is useful, but Leicester needs to be braver and more direct. The former Palace player has been poor in the previous two games and should be dropped to the bench for the time being.
Jamie Vardy formed a deadly trio with Mavididi and Fatawu in the EFL Championship last season, and Cooper should continue that partnership in the Premier League.
