Why Ayoze Perez is underrated.

I take a look at how Ayoze Perez`s first season at the club has gone, and how he undoubtedly deserves more credit for Leicester`s success this season.

Leicester City have done exceedingly well this season, defied the odds and it looks more or less likely, bar a dodgy decision from UEFA, that the Foxes will be playing Champions League football next season. The headlines have mostly been claimed by the likes of potent striker Jamie Vardy and the tricky midfielder behind him, James Maddison but one player that has fell under the radar but has been doing just as well for different reasons is the Spaniard Ayoze Perez, signed from Newcastle United for £30m in the Summer.

When the fee was agreed over the transfer of Perez, it was deemed for most as a safe signing. He already had four Premier League seasons under his belt, with a stint in the Championship sandwiched in between those, proving in spells that he was lethal in front of goal at the highest level. He was Newcastle`s top scorer last season, establishing a admirable partnership with Salomon Rondon, scoring 12 goals, most of those coming at the latter end of the campaign. He comprehensively proved under head coach and fellow Spaniard Rafael Benitez that he could even thrive under a system that was not suited to his tricks and flicks, which displayed his commitment and adaptability.

He was brought to Leicester by Brendan Rodgers to work on a new regime and style that would transform the way they play. Instead of using counter attacking football all the time, a system fans were very familiar watching, with both good and bad experiences, the plan was to adopt a more possession-based game. This meant intelligent ball players were needed, ones that were comfortable with the ball at their feet and would work tirelessly from the front, Ayoze Perez has proved to fit the bill.

Strikers may be judged on their numbers, so lets pull some up shall we. Perez tops the charts for tackles (36) and interceptions (13) when considering all attacking players in the division, as his tireless work has paid off several times throughout the season, most notably away at Sheffield United, winning the ball back magnificently in the lead up to Vardy`s goal, one of many examples. As well as creating opportunities in front of goal from his ability to overturn the ball, he also proves to be a valuable asset when stopping attacks from opposing teams, forcing them into mistakes, playing risky passes or hopelessly punting the ball long.

Whilst the attacker has shown he is capable in the defensive side of his game, contributing in front of goal is the `numbers` game in which he will ultimately be judged on. Whilst he played through the middle at Newcastle, Rodgers has decided to deploy him on the right of an attacking three most games. You could argue he is out of position, but he`s not complaining. He has a better goal: minute ratio in the Premier League than any other player in the squad, apart from of course Golden Boot hunting Jamie Vardy. He has 7 goals and 4 assists so far, not bad for his first season on the flank.

The twinkling 26-year-old has plenty of time to improve further, his clever feet and knowledge of the game are useful when getting him out of tight situations and pushing his team up the pitch. It also allows him to occasionally deceive opponents and get him into good attacking areas, making space for himself and others. His touch and elegant nature of the game is a joy to watch for fans on both sides, he`s a brilliant player and i believe justice hasn`t been given to him for his hard work this season. I look forward to see if he continues to perform and exceed next season.