Leicester City are in the middle of a difficult Premier League campaign and will wish they had one former player in the side.
Leicester cantered to the Championship title last term ahead of Ipswich, Southampton and Leeds United in a thrilling four-horse race.
The Foxes have since found it difficult to step back into England’s top flight as they’re currently fourth from the bottom and just two points above the relegation zone.
Ruud van Nistelrooy is now the manager at the King Power Stadium last month, replacing the unpopular Steve Cooper at the helm.
It’s been a mixed start to life for the Dutchman, who most recently saw his side get thrashed 4-0 by Newcastle United after beating West Ham and drawing against Brighton.
A loss at St James’ Park has heightened the importance of their six-pointer against Wolves. Van Nistelrooy will need his big players to step up such as Jamie Vardy and Facundo Buonanotte however, there is another he wishes he could call upon.
Youri Tielemans of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Leicester City and West Ham United at The King Power Stadium on May 28, 2...
Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images
Youri Tielemans left Leicester City on a free transfer in 2023
Leicester have seen many quality stars leave the club and the summer transfer window in 2023 saw some incredible players depart.
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Following their relegation from the top flight, the Foxes cashed in on James Maddison, who joined Tottenham, while Harvey Barnes left for Newcastle in a big-money move.
Arguably the saddest loss, though, was midfield magician Youri Tielemans, who departed the club on a free transfer as his contract at the King Power had expired.
Tielemans signed for Leicester from Monaco in 2019 and went on to play 195 times for the club. The 27-year-old produced a respectable 28 goals and 26 assists from his role as a deep-lying playmaker.
Supporters will always look back on the Belgians’ time in Leicester fondly and will forever be etched in the clubs’ folklore after scoring the winning goal in the 2021 FA Cup final against Chelsea.
Now, fans have to watch Tielemans flourish under Unai Emery at Aston Villa.
Tielemans starring for Aston Villa in Champions League
Since leaving Leicester behind after four enjoyable years, Tielemans has since gone strength to strength at Villa and has starred in their Champions League campaign.
Youri Tielemans Champions League stats 2024/25
6 games played
1 goal
2 assists
5.77 progressive passes per 90
3.84 shot-creating actions per 90
1.4 shots per 90
2.24 tackles per 90
The Villans have won four of their first six games in the competition and as seen by the above table, Tielemans has played a crucial role in midfield.
For Leicester, there will be an element of jealousy watching their former star hold his own in Europe’s elite competition but also a sense of pride, as he mainly honed his craft at the King Power.