NUFC player ratings vs Leicester - One 6, a few 5's, several 4's and three awful 3's

by Jake Jackman · Published 12 December 2021, 19:21

That was bad.

I agree with Eddie Howe that the score line was a little harsh, based on the game. However, we were second best and deserved to be on the losing side today.

Howe won’t move away from building from the back, but the defenders look to be really struggling with it. Leicester laid traps all afternoon and we made it too easy for them.

Below we rate the performances of each player:

Martin Dubravka - 5 - There was little he could do for most of the goals, but his pass was poor in the lead up to the first.

Javier Manquillo - 3 - He didn’t do himself any favours with his positioning for the second. He played Patson Daka on as he dropped deeper than the rest of the line.

Fabian Schar - 4 - The centre back didn’t look convincing on the ball, which is a worry. He is in the team to help launch attacks and he regularly took the safe option today. Defensively, he was also suspect.

Jamaal Lascelles - 3 - He is a worry at the moment. Lascelles is terrible on the ball and he can be targeted by opposition teams. His error in the lead up to the penalty was poor. The award was harsh, but he was asking for trouble by dangling a leg. His marking and organisation of the back four was poor.

Jamal Lewis - 5 - The left back was the best of the defence, but that doesn’t say a lot. He offered good energy and tenacity in possession. Allan Saint-Maximin needs to use him more when building up play.

Miguel Almiron - 4 - There was good energy in his pressing and he did carry a threat. However, his decision making and final ball was poor again. He was withdrawn early.

Jonjo Shelvey - 4 - It was probably his worst performance since the managerial change. The biggest issue was that he was taking the simple option too often. If we are to carry a threat, we need more decisive passing.

Joe Willock - 3 - Unfortunately Willock isn’t suited to this role. He doesn’t hide and he is working his arse off for the team, but he isn’t capable of playing as a central midfielder in a two.

Allan Saint-Maximin - 6 - There has been criticism on social media, with many believing that he is a luxury we can’t afford. To me, he looks leggy, but he is our most creative player. He was causing Leicester more problems than any one else today.

Joelinton - 5 - It was a tough afternoon for Joelinton. He worked hard and showed some nice touches, but he didn’t really impact the game. His giveaway for the fourth was disappointing.

Callum Wilson - 5 - He was a passenger today. The service up to him was awful and he struggled to get many touches of the ball.