Grading every Leicester City player after 10 Premier League games

We’re 10 games into the Premier League season and things are finally beginning to shape up for Leicester City.

Steve Cooper’s side have won two, drawn four and lost four in the opening three months of the season and find themselves five points clear of the bottom three in the Premier League.

While some players have impressed in the early stages of the season, others have struggled on the return to the top flight.

With that, we’ve rated every player’s start to the season. To add, we have only added the players who have featured in a game.

 

Mads Hermansen

Without Mads Hermansen, it’s quite plausible to say that Leicester would be in the bottom three right now.

Hermansen is already one of the better ‘keepers in the division and has proved that time and time again.

His performance at Arsenal saw him go within one save of breaking a Premier League record and it’s no surprise to hear that other clubs are monitoring him. 8/10

 

Danny Ward

Has only played in the Carabao Cup and after saving three penalties in a shootout win against Walsall, was very disappointing in the 5-2 loss against Manchester United.

He will almost certainly leave for free in the summer and given that Jakub Stolarczyk will be ready to return by the time the FA Cup comes round, meaning that we may not see him play for the Foxes again. 5/10

James Justin

It’s been a very difficult season for James Justin so far. Despite two goals, including one incredible strike, against Arsenal, the full-back has struggled in games and found many of the goals conceded coming down his flank.

He looked more comfortable in the left-back slot against Nottingham Forest but the 26-year-old will be hoping the rest of the season can be more positive. 5/10

Ricardo Pereira

It looked at one stage if Ricardo Pereira would be hung out to dry by Cooper but in recent weeks has found his way back in the starting XI.

Despite that, Pereira hasn’t looked anywhere near his best throughout the 2024/25 campaign but having played much less than everyone else, is still getting up to speed. 5/10

Wout Faes

A near-ever present, there have been calls from fans to drop Wout Faes after his less-than-impressive performances.

Continuous mistakes and nervy moments on the ball mean some are beginning to lose patience with the Belgian and as one of the most experienced faces in the squad, should be showcasing those attributes. 5/10

Jannik Vestergaard

Injury has restricted Jannik Vestergaard’s time on the pitch but it’s no coincidence that the Foxes look more defensively solid when he is playing.

The Denmark international returned against Ipswich Town at the weekend and is expected to retain his place in the side going forward. 6/10

Caleb Okoli

After a shaky start during pre-season, Caleb Okoli has looked a lot more comfortable since making the move to the King Power Stadium and been one of the brighter signings at the club.

At 23, Okoli is one for the future but will feel that he has the potential to dislodge one of Faes or Vestergaard and keep a place in the XI long-term. 6/10

Conor Coady

Has rarely played and when called upon, has been solid enough. His presence in the squad is always worthwhile but it’s understandable to see why other options have been preferred. 5/10

Luke Thomas

The Foxes academy star has featured sporadically and only played in the Carabao Cup games but has failed to impress.

Luke Thomas is another one who’s contract expires and it’s unlikely he will play again unless there is an injury crisis. 4/10

Victor Kristiansen

The Denmark international has been a surprise performer after returning from his loan spell at Bologna last season.

Playing in the left-back role, Victor Kristiansen has been consistent and formed a solid partnership with winger Stephy Mavididi.

There is more to come from him but there can be no complaints with how he’s started. 6/10

Oliver Skipp

Leicester’s big-money signing has been in and out of the first team but has performed well enough when called upon.

Tenacious in the middle of the park, the midfielder gets about and is as good technically as he is physically. 5/10

 

Wilfred Ndidi

One of Cooper’s favoured players, there have been signs of Wilfred Ndidi back to his old best. The change in formation has seen him drop into a holding midfield role, where he flourished in his early days at Leicester.

Ndidi has four assists to his name already this campaign and even though he lets the game get away from him at times, has been largely impressive. 6/10

Boubakary Soumare

Many would’ve expected Boubakary Soumare to get next to no action and initially, had underwhelmed but in his two most recent games, has looked like the player Leicester originally thought they were getting.

His display against Ipswich has got people calling for him to start the Foxes’ next game and if he can continue the upward trend, Leicester will have a player on their hands. 5/10

Harry Winks

Mr consistent. The Premier League is full of uncertainties but one dead cert is that Harry Winks will be a minimum of a six out of 10 every week.

Winks is one of the first names on the teamsheet and is the cog in the Leicester side that makes everything tick.

Sure, it’s not always glamorous and he may go under the radar, but without him, the Foxes would be worse off. 6/10

Hamza Choudhury

Currently out injured, Hamza Choudhury has played very little football this season. Given the number of options in the same position, it’s hard to foresee where he will play once he is available again but even in his rare outings, Choudhury has been okay at best. 4/10

Will Alves

Has only featured in League Cup games and now they are over, it’s almost certain that he won’t be involved again this season. Has potential but feels like he tries too hard to make an impression in games. Needs a loan move away. 5/10

Bilal El Khannouss

Bilal El Khannouss is a young and raw talent, which has been showcased in the early days of his Leicester career.

At 20, there is naturally a settling-in process and El Khannouss can improve and as time goes by, he will get better. 5/10

Facundo Buonanotte

Without a doubt Leicester’s best player this season. Little was made about Facundo Buonanotte’s arrival from Brighton & Hove Albion on loan.

Having scored or assisted in most games, the Argentine has become an instant fan-favourite, leading to him playing down some talk of him being the ‘Midlands Messi’. 9/10

Stephy Mavididi

It’s been a hit-and-miss campaign from Stephy Mavididi so far. At times he has looked unplayable but at other moments, looks like a rabbit in the headlights.

Mavididi’s talents are there for everyone to see and while it’s not been there all season, the winger has been one of the better performers. 6.5/10

Abdul Fatawu

After his role in the Championship-winning season, fans were shocked to see Abdul Fatawu used as an impact sub in the early stages of the season.

Following his game-changing display against Southampton, Fatawu has since gone on to win his place back in the starting XI.

Sometimes it’s easy to forget how young the Ghana international but he has been a consistent performer so far and played well. 6.5/10

Bobby De Cordova-Reid

Even though he joined on a free transfer, it feels like Leicester have been sold a dream with Bobby De Cordova-Reid.

The Jamaica international earned rave reviews from Fulham fans after he left but any time he has played for Leicester, he has looked out of his depth and could already be a contender for worst signing of the season. 3/10

Kasey McAteer

Despite a breakout campaign under Enzo Maresca, Kasey McAteer has been forced to watch from the sidelines more often than not.

He has played ocassionally and failed to set the world alight and is probably destined for a loan move away in January. 4/10

Jordan Ayew

Eyebrows were raised when Jordan Ayew was signed by Leicester, but for £5m, they have more than got their return.

Already earning the nickname of super-sub after his late goals against Southampton and Ipswich, Ayew brings a physical presence to the side.

Whether that be win free-kicks or his hold-up play, it’s fair to say that the 33-year-old has proved plenty of people off. 7/10

Odsonne Edouard

Odsonne Edouard’s loan signing on deadline day was regarded as vital to help support the lack of striking options but his chances have been few and far between.

Edouard has only started one game – a Carabao Cup fixture against Walsall – and when called upon has only played a handful of minutes. 4/10

Jamie Vardy

Every year there are concerns about if Jamie Vardy is past it. Another few months have gone by and that looks wrong already.

Vardy is the Foxes’ top scorer in all competitions and even at 37, has been one of the best players in a Leicester shirt this season. 8/10