Why this could be a breakout season for Demarai Gray at Leicester City
Leicester City sold Riyad Mahrez for big money this summer, meaning there was a vacillating feeling around the club as to who will take the mantle of being the creator-in-chief. Signing James Maddison was a step in the right direction as the former Norwich City playmaker has many attributes in his locker.
However, there is one player who could really take this opportunity to be a difference-maker at King Power Stadium – and that is Demarai Gray. The 22-year-old has shown promise and power in bits in the past but this could be the year where he receives greater opportunities to prove his worth at the top-level.
Here’s why Gray will be one of the breakout stars for Leicester City and Premier League football this season:
Puel trusts him
Judging by the team selections of the first two league games, and the second half of last season, Claude Puel clearly trusts Gray’s talent and skill-set. After Mahrez’s departure, in particular, there is a sense of expectancy around the 22-year-old to step up and work wonders at the big stage. Given the fact that the manager likes to provide repeated opportunities for a player to shine, Gray must relish this.
The creative wizard, who also excels as a wide attacker, performed well in the opening game against Manchester United. He effortlessly combined with left-back Ben Chilwell and caused problems for the defenders. Gray is expected to bolster Leicester’s left-axis attack along with Chilwell, meaning the Foxes might counter-attack more often from that side of the field.
Furthermore, Gray is only 22 and he has ample time to make mistakes and learn from them to become better by the end of the season. But if he does grab the limelight this time, Puel may provide him with regular first-team action. Now, it is up to the player to continue progressing and developing further.
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Verdict
Gray is more than capable of becoming the next big thing in English football and this is probably his season to convert the potential tag into something substantial. Leicester City are looking for a young star to emerge and the 22-year-old should oblige.