A managerial change often brings a fresh start, offering every player an opportunity to impress the new boss.
Yet, for some, the arrival of Ruud van Nistelrooy at Leicester City has presented challenges. With no established loyalties, van Nistelrooy is clearly unafraid to shake up the squad and redefine roles.
While the Dutchman’s reign is just two games old, early signs suggest that certain players face an uphill battle to secure a regular spot under the new regime.
Here are four Leicester players whose fortunes have, so far, taken a downturn since van Nistelrooy’s appointment.
Wout Faes
For 45 consecutive league games over 13 months, Wout Faes was a fixture in Leicester’s starting XI. However, that streak ended abruptly under van Nistelrooy, with the Belgian defender relegated to the bench for both of the new manager’s matches.
A subpar performance against Brentford, when van Nistelrooy was observing from the stands, likely didn’t help Faes’ case. Although he has featured as a substitute in both games, it’s clear he’s no longer considered undroppable.
Faes’ talent is undeniable, and Leicester will hope this challenge reignites his form. Competition for places may push him to rediscover the defensive solidity that once made him a cornerstone of the team.
Caleb Okoli
Unlike Faes, Caleb Okoli hasn’t seen any game time under van Nistelrooy so far. The summer signing, brought in for £15 million, has fallen behind Conor Coady, Jannik Vestergaard, and even Faes in the pecking order.
While his current fourth-choice status might seem concerning, Okoli’s lack of involvement shouldn’t be mistaken for a judgment on his ability. At 23, he remains a developing talent, particularly in the demanding role of a central defender.
Leicester’s more experienced defenders are likely to be leaned on during this transitional phase, but Okoli’s time will come. For now, patience and hard work will be key as he waits for his chance to shine.
Harry Winks
Timing is everything in football, and Harry Winks’ injury couldn’t have come at a worse moment.
As van Nistelrooy assesses his squad, the midfielder has been sidelined, leaving Wilfred Ndidi and Boubakary Soumare to seize the opportunity in central midfield.
The pair earned praise from their new manager after a dominant display against West Ham, with van Nistelrooy describing their performance as a “hell of a game.”
Moreover, the manager appears to favour more physical players in front of the back four – a role that doesn’t align perfectly with Winks’ skill set.
Van Nistelrooy has indicated he is open to tweaking his midfield approach based on opposition, but Winks’ task will be made tougher if Ndidi and Soumare continue to impress. Returning to full fitness and showing his adaptability will be crucial for the former Tottenham man.
Odsonne Edouard
Odsonne Edouard’s struggles to earn game time predate van Nistelrooy’s arrival, but his prospects appear even bleaker now.
With Patson Daka back to full fitness and boasting a prior connection to van Nistelrooy, the loanee has been pushed further to the fringes.
Even with several key players unavailable against Brighton, Edouard couldn’t make the bench. His absence speaks volumes about his current standing in the squad.
Unless injuries mount up, it’s hard to see him making a significant impact in the near future.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s arrival has brought both promise and challenges to Leicester City. While his tactical shifts have already produced results, they’ve also left some players with questions over their roles.
For Faes, Okoli, Winks, and Edouard, the coming weeks will be critical as they look to prove their worth and adapt to the demands of their new manager.