The Fosse Way

Jordan James

Wilby Toothill

Managers often elect – against the wills of many fans who want to see the new boys in action – not to throw fresh signings straight into the XI. There’s usually a period of easing them in, letting them learn a new system and allowing them to familiarise themselves with teammates as they build fitness.

But this time – as Brendan Rodgers did in January 2023 – I am willing to make an exception, and believe that, with Oxford on the horizon, there is a strong case for all three of Jordan James, Aaron Ramsey and Julian Carranza (with goalkeeping free agent Francisco Vieites initially signed to be Stolarczyk’s understudy) to be named in the side at the Kassam – here’s why.

Jordan James is the signing that I believe has the highest ceiling in this Leicester side. In five competitive games so far this season, the Foxes have only “out-created” their opponents once – on the opening day against a crisis-hit Sheffield Wednesday.

On the eye, however, performances have generally improved game by game. A recurring critique, even in the win against Birmingham, is the team’s struggle in build-up play. They’ve looked far more threatening in direct transitions, especially when the wingers are unleashed against quite frankly terrified-looking full backs. Oliver Skipp impressed last game, using his energy to press and support the forward line, and playing a key role in the opener.

But Jordan James – our new “JJ” (replenishing our JJ quota) – can offer something more to the side. He brings not just dynamism off the ball, but quality on it, more capable of unlocking his attacking teammates. Over the past year, James has averaged 5.13 progressive passes, 3.43 shot-creating actions, and 1.63 progressive carries per 90 minutes – numbers that rank him highly among his peers, and very highly compared to his Leicester midfield competition. Foxes fans will remember his quality firsthand, having scored a brace against Leicester two seasons ago.

With Soumaré seemingly key to Cifuentes’ plans and thus likely to hold his midfield role, James could compete with Skipp for the second spot in the double pivot. Both offer distinct profiles and high quality for this league. James may be the least likely of the new signings to start immediately, having just returned from international duty with Wales, where he featured twice, including one start. Add to that the consistent improvement of the Skipp-Soumaré midfield, and Cifuentes may opt for continuity. Still, James is certainly a player to watch and should certainly be in contention to play on Saturday.

Both of the other two recruits should also start. Julian Carranza seems the most obvious contender of the three. The numbers paint a promising picture. His goalscoring record shows he can find the net in a variety of ways while also contributing to link-up play. Interestingly, 58.4% of his shots come from his right foot, compared to 20.2% with his left and 21% with his head. Could we see a classic “perfect hat-trick” on Sunday?

The bigger question is whether Leicester have finally signed an effective long-term striker for the first time in over 13 years. History hasn’t been kind to new forwards at the club, but we can all hope and pray that Carranza bucks that trend. Hopefully he gets the chance that Tom Cannon was never afforded, starting with the place in the XI this weekend.

This leaves Aaron Ramsey. He will be vying for the attacking midfield place with other players including Jordan Ayew. With Carranza and Daka leading the press up front, Ayew’s link-up play and hold-up abilities could perfectly complement Leicester’s explosive wingers. Having played every minute so far, Ayew’s experience seems integral to Cifuentes’s plans. Then there’s Louis Page, who has demonstrated great talent and potential, impressing against Birmingham with his tenacity and work rate.

Adding a more senior, albeit still young, option like Ramsey gives Cifuentes valuable flexibility. Ramsey is impressive both on and off the ball, offering a strong range of passing and solid defensive contributions. With his league experience and potential, he could be a top-level player in years to come – and I’m eager to see him showcase his talents at the Kassam.

Julián Carranza

Iain Wright

The most obvious starter of the four is Julián Carranza. Our striker options so far this season have been Jordan Ayew (who isn’t a striker) and Patson Daka (who’s painfully out of form).

Ayew has an important role to play this season as he’s a great option from the bench. But, having started every league game for us and twice for Ghana, he’s probably due a rest anyway.

As for Daka, we know by now what he can and can’t do. It’s clear he’s now seeing out his contract and therefore should be phased out in my view.

In Carranza, we hopefully have a mobile striker who looks decent in the air and carries a good goal threat. He should also give the talented wide players someone to play off and create for.

You could make a case for Ayew dropping deeper to the No10 position. But I’d do that after an hour or so, as we have done in every game, but this time from the bench rather than from the striker position. Aaron Ramsey therefore gets the opportunity to build a partnership with Carranza straight away.

It’s tougher to make a case for Jordan James starting, as he’s been away on international duty with Wales and is yet to train with his new team mates. I’d put him on the bench instead of Harry Winks, who we need to give some brochures about how nice it is in Turkey.

I’d be surprised and disappointed if Fran Vieites replaced Jakub Stolarczyk in goal. Stolarczyk has kept back-to-back league clean sheets for the first time since the Southampton and Preston games at the end of 2023/24, and he looks like he’s growing into the role as Number 1. He should continue between the sticks.

With the players that have left and the new options available to Martì Cifuentes, I genuinely think this feels like a fresh start for LCFC, on the pitch at least.

Aaron Ramsey

David Bevan

There’s a strong argument that all three should get involved pretty early as they each plug a gap but Aaron Ramsey could end up being the most important of all and should start on Saturday.

While Louis Page has shown glimpses of his talent and should stay as a genuine option in that role as attacking midfielder or support striker, it was always a big ask for a 17-year-old to replace Bilal El Khannouss.

It was a vote of confidence to stick with Page for the Birmingham game and he repaid Cifuentes’s faith with an assist for Abdul Fatawu. But this is still an attack in need of a refresh.

Despite missing a large chunk of his young career so far with a serious injury, Ramsey has still played 66 times in all competitions. Incidentally, that’s the exact same number as Fatawu has played since joining Sporting in 2022 – of course, another player who has suffered a long-term injury.

Ramsey played a full 90 in the League Cup a fortnight ago so is well capable of an hour this weekend. Whereas Jordan James was away on international duty, Ramsey has had plenty of time to get up to speed in training, both in terms of fitness and the way Cifuentes wants him to combine with his team-mates.

It’s a basic measure but the recent goal threat at Championship level is the main reason why Ramsey should be straight into the team. We need goals and Ramsey has scored 8 from 21 starts and 8 substitute appearances in this division.