Ahmed Musa Can Rejuvenate Himself and Leicester City This Season
Published: July 16, 2018Let’s face it; things haven’t gone well for Ahmed Musa at Leicester City.
A big impact was expected from the Nigerian star when he made his £16.6 million transfer from CSKA Moscow in the summer of 2016.
However, despite a bright start, Musa managed just two league goals in 22 games in his first season for the then defending Premier League champions.
The second season at Leicester was possibly even worse, with Musa making just one single cup appearance, although he did make the most of his time on the pitch by scoring in that match.
The decision was made to loan him back to CSKA Moscow in January 2018. You could probably forgive Musa for feeling a bit pessimistic at the time.
Musa Bounced Back in Moscow and Volgograd
Importantly for a player in Musa’s position, he also chipped in with three assists in those games. He didn’t register a single assist in Leicester in his 18 months at the club.
As fans of the Super Eagles will be aware, there was little chance of Musa being left out of the Nigerian World Cup squad.
At just 25-years-old, he has amassed an incredible 73 caps for his country. Surely Musa will beat the record of 101 caps held jointly by Joseph Yobo and Vincent Enyeama by the time he hangs up his boots?
Iceland goals showed class
Anyway, Musa impressed in Russia, especially with his stunning performance against Iceland. But the question is – did he impress Claude Puel and those who make the big decisions at Leicester City?
Were his goals for CSKA and Nigeria over the last few months enough to give him another shot at the Premier League?
There has been talk of a move to Galatasaray, but it would be nice to see Musa have another season in the Premier League.
There is a perception of weakness at Arsenal and maybe even Chelsea this season. That means there could by an opening for Leicester to sneak into the Top 6 and grab a Europa League place.
Bet365 have priced Leicester at 7/1 to do that. Even more ambitious Foxes fans will be thinking about a top 4 place at 33/1.
It’s a long shot, of course, but you can enjoy a no deposit free bet to back it risk free.
Leicester need a spark
The point, however, is that Leicester might need a spark if they are to realise these ambitions.
Moreover, the boy from J-Town looked like he has been enjoying his football.
If he does return to the pitch for Leicester, it has to be about more than individual performances. The lack of assists was a big talking point in England during his first tenure.
Musa should be thinking about helping Jamie Vardy – a 25/1 shot for the Premier League’s Golden Boot – and the rest of the Foxes squad before thinking of his own records.
A big impact was expected from the Nigerian star when he made his £16.6 million transfer from CSKA Moscow in the summer of 2016.
However, despite a bright start, Musa managed just two league goals in 22 games in his first season for the then defending Premier League champions.
The second season at Leicester was possibly even worse, with Musa making just one single cup appearance, although he did make the most of his time on the pitch by scoring in that match.
The decision was made to loan him back to CSKA Moscow in January 2018. You could probably forgive Musa for feeling a bit pessimistic at the time.
Musa Bounced Back in Moscow and Volgograd
However, Musa snapped at his chance back in Moscow. He scored six goals in 10 appearances for CSKA as they narrowly missed out on the title.
As fans of the Super Eagles will be aware, there was little chance of Musa being left out of the Nigerian World Cup squad.
At just 25-years-old, he has amassed an incredible 73 caps for his country. Surely Musa will beat the record of 101 caps held jointly by Joseph Yobo and Vincent Enyeama by the time he hangs up his boots?
Iceland goals showed class
Anyway, Musa impressed in Russia, especially with his stunning performance against Iceland. But the question is – did he impress Claude Puel and those who make the big decisions at Leicester City?
Were his goals for CSKA and Nigeria over the last few months enough to give him another shot at the Premier League?
There has been talk of a move to Galatasaray, but it would be nice to see Musa have another season in the Premier League.
There is a perception of weakness at Arsenal and maybe even Chelsea this season. That means there could by an opening for Leicester to sneak into the Top 6 and grab a Europa League place.
Bet365 have priced Leicester at 7/1 to do that. Even more ambitious Foxes fans will be thinking about a top 4 place at 33/1.
It’s a long shot, of course, but you can enjoy a no deposit free bet to back it risk free.
Leicester need a spark
The point, however, is that Leicester might need a spark if they are to realise these ambitions.
Yes, like the rest of the Premier League clubs they will undoubtedly spend pots of money over the coming weeks, but in Musa they have already a player who offers something different, a spark who can change a game in an instant.
He can, admittedly, be inconsistent at times, but the last six months have mostly shown the best of him.
Moreover, the boy from J-Town looked like he has been enjoying his football.
If he does return to the pitch for Leicester, it has to be about more than individual performances. The lack of assists was a big talking point in England during his first tenure.
Musa should be thinking about helping Jamie Vardy – a 25/1 shot for the Premier League’s Golden Boot – and the rest of the Foxes squad before thinking of his own records.
Puel is a hard taskmaster, one who puts teamwork at the forefront of his philosophy. Musa might get a second chance, but he needs to take it with both hands.
Igho Kingsley
Photo Credit : thenff.com
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