Ruud van Nistelrooy has made a very productive start to his Leicester City career.
Following Steve Cooper’s sacking, Leicester decided to appoint van Nistelrooy as his successor and in his first two games, the former Manchester United interim has picked up four points from a possible six.
The Foxes defeated West Ham United 3-1 last week before snatching a late point against Brighton on the weekend.
That leaves City in 16th place with a five-point gap on 18th-place Ipswich Town heading into the away clash at Newcastle on Saturday.
Leicester could have six players sidelined against Newcastle, with the options in midfield looking a bit scarce.
Wilfried Ndidi sustained a hamstring injury last time out, so his potential absence will be a huge loss to van Nistelrooy.
The Nigeria international has been excellent at shielding the back four this term, which has certainly needed protection.
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Defensive reinforcements should evidently be on the transfer agenda this winter and with that said, van Nistelrooy could use his Man United links to sign one of their fringe players.
Victor Lindelof of Manchester United applauds fans following the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Manchester United and PA...
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Ruud van Nistelrooy should try to sign Victor Lindelof in January
Only Wolves and Southampton have shipped more goals in the Premier League than Leicester this season.
The Foxes haven’t found a consistent centre-back pairing all season, with Wout Faes the latest man to be benched.
Van Nistelrooy has opted to pair Conor Coady and Jannik Vestergaard together and whilst they’ve performed well so far, it’s evident the club need to invest in that area.
So, the Leicester boss should consider revisiting Old Trafford this January transfer window for Victor Lindelof.
The £120k-a-week (per Spotrac) United defender is out of contract at the end of the season, so he could be available for a discounted price.
Lindelof is perhaps the fourth or fifth choice and will no doubt be eager to play on a regular basis elsewhere.
So Leicester should provide the 30-year-old with an exit route.
Lindelof’s impressive stats
Lindelof’s statistics are actually really impressive and evince exactly why he’d be a good signing for Leicester.
According to FBref data, the Sweden international ranks in the top two per cent for aerial duels won compared to his positional peers across Europe.
Further, he sits in the top five per cent for pass completion per 90, averaging an impressive success rate of 87.6 per cent.
The former Benfica man is supremely proficient in possession, so he’d certainly fit van Nistelrooy’s methodology in building out from the back.
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