Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez Lead Leicester City at Top of the BPL
An International News article written by Michael Barr
Leicester City has rocketed to the top of the Premier League and has gained an endless amount of supporters along the way. The Foxes second year in the BPL has been full of surprises as they continue to exceed expectations remaining at the top of the league and look to maintain this form as the final stretch of the season comes into full swing. Leicester City plays in the Premier League with the ‘big boys’ after earning the title of champions of the Football League in 2013/14. The club dates all the way back to the late 1800s – it was founded in 1884 as Leicester Fosse, and became the Leicester City in 1919.
Soccer News: It seems like everyone is jumping on the Leicester City bandwagon as the Foxes look to increase their lead in the Premier League. Why not? It is a true David vs Goliath scenario drawing attention throughout the world. Their relentless style of play and the emergence of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez as major goal scorers make for entertaining matches every time they play.
Their recent loss to Arsenal has not dampened my spirits because they still played in that exuberant, never stop pushing, win at all cost style that makes every match so enjoyable to watch. The only regret I have in watching the season progress is not placing a bet on the Foxes. Before the season began their odds to win the premiership were 5,000 to 1!
I have recently begun to look at their success in a much different way. How in the world can a team of underpaid, supposedly average at best footballers, shake up the usual hierarchy of world renowned teams and their ever-growing salaries like Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea? Could there be something to learn here as youth players in the United States are forced to navigate the elite club and academy system? Could it be that playing for an elite, star laden team or club may be a detriment to a player?
Jamie Vardy in 2010 was playing for FC Halifax in the National League, a fifth tiered club of professionals and semi-professionals. Riyad Mahrez was playing for La Havre in French Ligue ll in France in 2013.
Would both of these superstars have had the success they are currently experiencing now, if they were with top level clubs? Less playing time, less confidence almost always translates to fewer opportunities for the players to establish themselves.
As players as young as ten or eleven are being recruited or identified and matched together because of their hypothetical superior skills are they actually taking a step backwards?
Do skills and confidence erode as they are now not the go-to-player on their team or losing out on touches because other players are considered superior in the new environment? Shouldn’t they suffer set-backs or disappointments to spur on their competitiveness in matches?
Another thought to consider for coaches, players and even parents; does having a team of young elite players impede the drive to work hard and be persistent the entire match because their technical ability is far superior to the opposing team? Could the decisions concerning US Developmental Academies be a disadvantage to individual growth of some players? Should US Soccer reconsider their push for Developmental Academies for girls?
Leicester City is clearly a blue collar squad that plays the entire ninety minutes. Can analytics provide the answers in finding the make-up of future top level teams? Is it necessary to have two full teams of capped internationals to win championships or is it the right distribution of a few recognized, talented players and a surrounding cast of hard working players who believe they can compete and win in every match?
Something to clearly think about.
Michael Barr is a motivated, teacher and soccer coach with nationally recognized expertise and a thirty year history in working with top level soccer players, instructing youth coaches and speaking to numerous groups about player development.
Technical Director of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, Barr is also a National Staff Coach for the United States Soccer Federation, Barr is a National Youth License Instructor, and holds the USSF “A” coaching license, the NSCAA International Premier License, the national youth license, and Scottish Football Association’s “B” license.
