Leicester City boss Dean Smith defends Wilfred Ndidi amidst loss of form

By Saheed Afolabi

Leicester City manager, Dean Smith has described Wilfred Ndidi as a top player despite the midfielder dip in form.

Ndidi was the scapegoat in the Foxes 3-1 defeat to Manchester City at the King Power Stadium as the Super Eagles midfielder made two howler mistakes to gift City two goals, which changed the tide of the game.

The Foxes coach backed Ndidi to discover his best form as he believes the midfielder could have done better not to giveaway the third goal, while urging critics to focus on the positive aspect of the Nigerian.

“He (Ndidi) is a top player. He’s another player who I’ve seen a lot over the years and has probably been a bit of a thorn in my side when I’ve played against him,” Complete Sports quoted Smith.

“I looked back at the third goal and whether he can win the ball I’m not sure, but we both agreed when we spoke about it that he shouldn’t let De Bruyne get the other side of him.

“But there’s a number of things that happened with that. The pass back could have gone forward. We should have made contact with Haaland before he made the run.

“So there were a number of things that could have helped to stop that goal. I thought he was unfortunate with the handball incident.

“But I like Wilf, I think he’s a really good player. He’s one that protects, and people sometimes miss the fact he defends our box really well aerially and physically.

“He can be a threat in the opposition box as well. There are many aspects to his game that can help us.”