Leicester City’s 4-1 defeat to Brentford in the Premier League has left new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy facing a critical decision: whether to drop Wout Faes from the starting lineup following another poor performance.
The loss marked Leicester’s sixth game without a win in all competitions and their third consecutive league defeat. The Foxes now sit perilously in 16th place, just one point above the relegation zone.
A number of players underperformed against Brentford, but Faes’ costly defensive errors and lackluster contributions at the back stood out, potentially leaving a sour first impression on Van Nistelrooy.
Faes’ Form Under the Microscope
Signed for £15 million in 2022, Faes has struggled to live up to expectations this season. His latest performance at the Gtech Community Stadium was one to forget, with the Belgian failing to win a single tackle or duel across 90 minutes.
Frequently caught out of position, Faes played a significant role in a defensive display that outraged Leicester’s traveling fans.
Speaking about the match on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), The Athletic journalist Rob Tanner highlighted the frustration among supporters. Fans’ chants echoed their discontent, and many vented their anger online.
One fan wrote: “Faes should never play for this club again,” while another called him “a disgrace.” Such harsh criticism reflects the growing consensus that Faes is becoming a liability for the Foxes.
With 27 goals conceded in 13 league games—only Wolves have conceded fewer—Leicester’s defensive frailties are glaring. Faes has started every one of those matches, making it increasingly clear that changes are necessary.
As Van Nistelrooy prepares to take full charge of the squad, fans will be expecting immediate adjustments to the lineup. Dropping Faes for the upcoming midweek clash against West Ham could be the first step in stabilizing Leicester’s defense.
The Dutchman must act swiftly to navigate the team away from the relegation zone and prevent another crushing defeat. For Faes, the pressure is mounting, and his place in the starting eleven hangs by a thread.
