Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi delivered a virtuoso performance for Leicester City in their commanding 3-1 victory over West Ham in the Premier League at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday.
The win marked the first for new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy and ended a six-game winless run for Leicester.
It was one of their best performances this season, characterized by tenacity, attacking flair, and defensive solidity.
While some might attribute the victory to the so-called “managerial bounce,” the Foxes showed a clear improvement in organization and execution.
Ndidi, deployed in his preferred defensive midfield role, was instrumental in breaking up West Ham’s attacks and orchestrating Leicester’s transitions.
A return to his roots for Ndidi
Ndidi’s performance against West Ham was a stark reminder of the qualities that once earned him a reputation as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
After being utilized in a more advanced role during Leicester’s Championship campaign last season, the Nigeria international seems rejuvenated in his natural position.
In the 2022/23 Premier League season, Ndidi played 27 games, registering 61 tackles, 38 interceptions, 42 clearances, and 142 recoveries.
These numbers, though solid, represented a decline from his peak years, as injuries and tactical adjustments took their toll.
Last season, in the EFL Championship, former managers Enzo Maresca and Steve Cooper opted to push Ndidi into an advanced role.
He responded with four goals and five assists in 32 appearances, but his defensive numbers suffered. He made just 39 tackles (22 fewer than the previous season), 25 interceptions, and 35 clearances.
While his contributions in attack bore fruit, it left noticeable gaps in Leicester’s midfield.
Ndidi’s audition for Van Nistelrooy
Tuesday’s performance demonstrated the difference a positional adjustment can make.
In his more familiar defensive role this season, Ndidi has already made 39 tackles, 30 clearances (third-best in the league), and eight interceptions, underscoring his effectiveness.
Against West Ham, the 27-year-old was immense, winning 10 of 13 ground duels and four of five aerial battles. He recorded 11 clearances—making him the second-best in that category across the league—and added three interceptions to crown a near-flawless display.
It was a performance that not only lifted the team but also highlighted Ndidi’s enduring value in his preferred role.
The road ahead for Ndidi and Leicester City
Ndidi’s resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time. As the Foxes aim to climb the table and establish consistency, having a player of his calibre anchoring the midfield is crucial.
On Tuesday night, he silenced any doubts about his fitness and ability to excel in a demanding defensive role.
His legs, once questioned, still have plenty of mileage to offer, and his leadership on the pitch is invaluable for a team in transition.
If Ndidi continues performing at this level, he may not only solidify his place in Van Nistelrooy’s plans but also reaffirm his status as one of the Premier League’s elite midfielders.
