da mrbet： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
da luck： In this modern world of inflated transfer fees and astronomical wages, finding real value for money is becoming increasingly difficult. Premier League clubs can now spend upwards of £50m on multiple players, and it shows no signs of slowing down as the stakes continue to get higher.
But every so often, you get teams who show a bit of nous and intelligence in their planning, and pull off such bargain deals it leaves you scratching your heads as to how they managed to pull that off. After all, with scouts essentially littered everywhere across the world scouring for the next big thing, it is difficult to sing players under the radar.
But in Leicester’s case, they have done exactly that. In Caglar Soyuncu and Jonny Evans, the Foxes have a thriving centre-back partnership who have been the cornerstone of their success this season. Brendan Rodgers’ side find themselves in second-place in the Premier League, and have conceded just eight goals in total – the best defensive record in the top-flight.
It’s therefore no surprise that reigning title holders Manchester City are said to be considering both Evans and Soyuncu as potential centre-back options. The Citizens’ interest in the duo shows the sterling work Leicester have done behind the scenes in finding out such great deals.
Evans was signed from West Brom for a measly £3.5m, whilst Soyuncu arrived from Freiburg for £19m – their combined totals cost just over a quarter of the £80m Manchester United spent in taking Harry Maguire away from the King Power. Claude Puel may have been sacked by Leicester in February this year after just 16 months in charge, but there’s no doubt he has left his former side the most incredible gift in their two central defenders.
As per Whoscored, Soyuncu and Evans have an average match rating of 7.25 and 7.00 respectively, and their partnership at the back has been crucial to their success this year. Puel’s name may be forgotten by most Foxes fans considering what Rodgers has transformed them into, but the Frenchman should be handed a lot of credit for bringing in two players who are now of firm interest to the best side in the country.