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It’s time for Leicester City to have faith in Demarai Gray
Precariously positioned a single point above relegation, last season’s champions are undeniably in a fight for survival. Despite progressing in Europe and the FA Cup the Foxes hold an embarrassing accolade of being the only side in England’s top 4 divisions yet to score a league goal in 2017.
A generally poor first half against Manchester United last Sunday ended in disastrous fashion as Ranieri’s men imploded to concede twice in two minutes before the break.
Leicester replaced Musa with Demarai Gray for the second half – a 45 minutes dominated by their opponents. The home side were fortunate to face only a 0-3 defeat.
Despite a poor performance from the struggling side, Gray provided flashes of excitement as he completed three take-ons and threatened United with his direct runs. Late in the match, it required four opposing players to dispossess him narrowly before he could shoot.
Far from the finished article, the 20-year-old revealed his limitations just as frequently as his abilities. Passing mostly backward, offering poor delivery from crosses and providing very little defensively.
Regardless, Gray can lift fans at the King-Power stadium by taking on defenders and giving his side attacking impetus in matches; something they have so often lacked this term. Sparse examples of quality, including those seen at Old Trafford in September and on Wednesday in the FA Cup, mean that the young winger deserves a greater opportunity than he has been granted so far.
Featuring 18 times as a 20-year-old for the defending champions is an impressive feat, yet Gray averages only 35 minutes per appearance and Leicester aren’t exactly your typical reigning champions.
Mahrez is likely to leave in the summer regardless of league status. Considering interest shown already by Spurs, as reported by , he will certainly do so if relegated. have reported that players face wage cuts of up to 40% should that happen.
The Foxes desperately need a new plan. The ‘Tinkerer’ is quickly running out of time and options, with a hugely important game with Swansea only days away. In the usual 4-4-2 Gray would replace Albrighton on the left, but if Mahrez continues to struggle he could replace last year’s PFA player of the year on the right. A risk, yes, but one Ranieri may just have to take if he is to prevent the previous campaign’s heroics from feeling like a distant memory come May.
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