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In Claude Puel’s final months at Leicester, they looked a shadow of a team who had won the title just a few years ago. Obviously, they were never going to repeat that fate but their fall to mediocrity this season was one which had left fans frustrated.
Finally, the King Power faithful were subdued to a campaign where nothing overly exciting was happening. They’d gone from an outstanding promotion campaign under Nigel Pearson to the great escape. What followed was unparalleled in their history as they won the Premier League and subsequently played in the Champions League.
But, under Brendan Rodgers, they’ve begun a period of revival. The source of which has been bringing back a man so key in the best period in the club’s history.
Captain Morgan
Puel’s Leicester had strayed away from some of the basic principles the club had established under the likes of Claudio Ranieri. There was a lack of organisation, experience and there wasn’t much authority to their play. But, by bringing back Wes Morgan into the fray, Leicester have rediscovered elements that made them so successful.
The centre-back started in Rodgers’ first game against Watford as part of a back three, standing out ahead of Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire. However, he was swiftly dropped for the game against Burnley, only to enter the fray just six minutes in after Maguire was sent off.
Morgan’s recall, therefore, may not have been completely deliberate, but after scoring two goals in back-to-back wins, he’s become one of the Foxes stand out players once again.
Key presence
If Rodgers’ backing of Morgan needed any further evidence, then the decision to give him a new one-year contract sums up how important the captain has become again.
He’s come back into the side and offered a reassuring and commanding presence that wasn’t necessarily there before.
The 35-year-old has impressive stats this season, winning 4.1 aerial duels and making five clearances per game, more than the highly-touted Maguire in both departments.
He may be getting on, but Morgan’s place at the club is as important as ever.