Of their Championship rivals, only Southampton have a higher average possession this season than Leicester’s 61.2 per cent or have racked up more passes than the Foxes’ total of 25,216.
Meanwhile Leicester also are the second-highest scorers with 86 goals, while their 39 goals conceded is the fewest.
Who have been Leicester’s key players?
Maresca’s first three signings – Mads Hermansen, Conor Coady and Harry Winks (both below) – all strengthened Leicester’s spine and were a clear indication of the direction he wanted to go.
Maresca’s system requires his goalkeeper to step forward into the defence and become an additional outfielder when his team are in possession. Subsequently an ease on the ball is essential.
Hermansen has been fundamental for Maresca. No Championship goalkeeper has attempted more than his 2,042 passes.
He has excelled at the basics of the job too, ranking second for goals conceded per match (0.91) and third for save percentage (74.3 per cent).
Coady was earmarked for a key role at the heart of Leicester’s defence where Maresca wants one of his centre-backs to help dictate play from deep.
