Enzo Maresca has at his fingertips a promising crop of U-21 players making strides through the ranks. Notable talents such as Ben Nelson and Wanya Marcal Madivadua have already seen game time this season, while Tawanda Maswanhise recently earned a place on the bench. Looking ahead, the likes of Will Alves and Sammy Braybrooke are potential candidates for a first-team call-up. Additionally, former Chelsea forward Silko Thomas and Arsenal recruit Amani Richards are also making waves within Leicester’s U-21 setup, signaling their potential readiness to make the leap to the senior squad.
The U-21 team continues to compete in Premier League 2, currently holding the 22nd position among 26 participating teams. In their most recent fixture, they achieved a goalless draw against Brighton in an away game.
Players to keep an eye on include Amani Richards and Silko Thomas, both introduced to Leicester from Arsenal and Chelsea, respectively. Despite being 19 years old, they have firmly established themselves within the U-21 setup. Richards, who joined Leicester from Arsenal in 2021, has displayed his prowess with 10 appearances and 2 goals so far this season. There is considerable buzz surrounding his development, as he continues to take gradual steps in the right direction.
Silko Thomas, signed earlier this season from Chelsea, has also shown promise with 2 goals in 5 league appearances. The England U-18 international’s decision to join Leicester over interest from other clubs like Sunderland and Southampton underscores his potential as a valuable addition to the squad.
Under the leadership of Ben Petty, Leicester’s U-21 team is undergoing a period of transformation, with several players below the age of 20 currently in the squad. This transition has seen numerous players departing over the summer and others being sent out on loan.
Notably, Lewis Brunt (Mansfield), Zach Booth (Volendam), and Nathan Opoku (OH Leuven) are three U-21 registered players currently on loan, while Suphanat Mueanta, also at OH Leuven, is garnering significant attention from a Leicester perspective, particularly due to his Thai origin. Leicester’s sister club, OH Leuven, is experiencing a challenging period, struggling to secure victories since late October in the Jupiler league.
Although Leicester has a tradition of nurturing promising talents, it’s essential to exercise patience given the tender age of the current squad. The importance of being in the top tier cannot be overstated, with results expected to see a steady improvement as the young squad matures. There are hopes that both Silko Thomas and Amani Richards will increasingly contribute at this level while striving to make strides into the first team.
Looking ahead, the U-21 team’s upcoming schedule includes a fixture against Newcastle at home on the 8th of January, followed by an away game against Reading on the 15th and a cup match against Fulham on the 22nd. The month concludes with a home fixture against Southampton on the 29th, presenting a busy and significant period for the team.
As the Leicester team grows and coalesces, it is anticipated that their strength will burgeon month by month, engendering progress and confidence within the squad.
