Wilfred Ndidi scored the winner for the third consecutive match against Stoke as his renaissance continued as an attacking threat after two years of poor form in defensive midfield.
Wilfred Ndidi came on for 13 minutes plus stoppage time in Leicester City’s 2-0 win over Stoke, but no player had more shots.
All three of his efforts were inches from goal, with one being blocked near the line, another deflected and one headed wide.
He then set up Jamie Vardy – perhaps with a brilliant pass, perhaps a frantic fourth goal attempt – for his third assist in three league matches.
In the previous match, he won the penalty that won Man City.
In any other season, this would be unusual for a player who has made a name for himself at the other end of the field.
But not this year.
Now, after 14 matches in all competitions, Ndidi has contributed to 7 goals for Man City.
Only Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (eight) contributed more.
No one would have thought this could come true a few months ago.
In fact, very few people thought Ndidi would have a role at Man City.
Ask Enzo Maresca to explain exactly what he wants in each position in his City squad and Ndidi over the previous six and a half seasons has not suited any of them.
There is no role in Maresca’s team that requires a leggy, lively destroyer to win tackles and interceptions.
Now the player in the center of midfield is there to build play, and Harry Winks is the opposite of Ndidi.
But just when Ndidi’s career at King Power Stadium seemed to be over, Maresca became pragmatic.
He lacks the players to fill both number eight roles and sees traits in Ndidi that he thinks can be developed.
Today, after 14 games, Ndidi is one of only two players, along with Dewsbury-Hall, to feature in every match.
His three goals – two in the Carabao Cup and one in the Championship – match his best season for the club.
Speaking to the club after going around the Southampton defenders to score at St Mary’s, Ndidi joked that he had shown his “attacking instincts”, acting sarcastically as if it was the type of goal he scored.
which he records every week.
His reaction to the goal can be as entertaining as the goal itself.
Looking at Ndidi now, I feel like a burden has been lifted.
In the two years before Man City’s relegation, most players suffered a decline in performance, but perhaps none as seriously as Ndidi.
Man City’s defense looks very vulnerable partly because Ndidi no longer protects well.
The number of tackles and interceptions he made has decreased.
For a long time, Man City has relied on Ndidi.
Attacking players are free to move forward and take risks when they have Nigerian players behind them supporting them.
When he stopped providing security, not only did City’s defense appear more vulnerable but their attackers were also afraid to get creative in case they set up counter-attacks for the opposition.
This puts a lot of pressure on Ndidi’s shoulders.
Moving him into the forward areas will alleviate that pressure.
There is a freedom that comes with being a more attacking player and a freedom that the world may not expect.
The bright, radiant smile is back.
At the mention of Ndidi’s name, Maresca also started smiling.
“I don’t know if he is more or less happy but the only thing I can say is that he is very happy,” the coach said of the midfielder last month.
“He loves it and he’s very open.
He is trying to learn something new and he is making an effort to understand and learn it.
“He does a great job when he gets into the box.
He doesn’t do a good job of staying in position and moving in the right direction in the pocket.
Most of the time, he pushes high, presses the opposition centre-back and sometimes has to sit a little deeper.
But like I said, it was new to him and not easy.
But it’s definitely still in the box.
If Ndidi improves in the areas Maresca has outlined, if he continues to get on the scoresheet and if it helps City secure promotion, then it could be the manager’s greatest achievement during the season.
But it will take patience to see if things work out that way.
Now, let’s enjoy the fact that a great City is enjoying joy again.