When Wilfred Ndidi arrived at Leicester City no-one expected him
to fill the boots of N'Golo Kante – that would have been impossible, according
to Leicester Mercury.
The 20-year-old Nigerian had forged a strong reputation as a
rising star in Belgium playing for Genk, where he was converted from a
promising defender into a strong defensive midfielder.
He was seen as one for the future, a player in need of time to
settle and adjust to life in the Premier League, just like fellow youngster
Daniel Amartey.
However, his almost immediate impact on City has surpassed the
expectations of even his biggest supporters inside the City coaching staff.
Ndidi has shown he is more than just a defensive midfielder. His
driving runs and range of passing have been a pleasant surprise for the City
fans, and his stunning strike against Derby in the FA Cup demonstrated he could
provide a goal threat as well.
Ndidi has established himself as the first choice to partner
Danny Drinkwater in City's midfield and manager Craig Shakespeare has been
impressed with what he has seen from the youngster so far.
"He is looking the part," said Shakespeare. "He
is a young boy but he has settled in really well. I think he has a huge future
in the game.
"There was a lot of interest in him from other clubs but he
was high on the list of our recruitment team and, in the end, we did really
well to get him.
"I think he will be a big player for us. He is
made-to-measure for this league but he is humble and his personality is suited
to our football club. He is easy to manage."
Ndidi has certainly thrived in City's system and style of play,
which is all about front foot football.
In all four of their recent victories, City have been out of the
blocks quickly and Ndidi's power in midfield has been key to that.
"That is what is expected," said Shakespeare of City's
intensity.
"We are at our best when we do that. You saw results in
terms of the performances against Liverpool and Hull, and now Seville.
"The players think that's when they are at their best so
that's what we'll encourage them to do."
