Good things must always come to an end. Though how much of a ‘good thing’ Kasper Schmeichel’s continued presence as Leicester City’s number one really was depends on who you ask.
The long-serving Dane will go down as one of the most important players in Leicester’s 138 year history. That much is certain. Schmeichel was a key cog in Claudio Ranieri’s Premier League-winning machine. And who could forget that save in the FA Cup final victory over Chelsea in 2021.
Reports from France suggesting that Schmeichel has ‘agreed’ to join an ambitious Nice outfit, however, may be greeted with a rather mixed response (L’Equipe). For all those wiping tears from their eyes, there will be others who privately wonder if this is the right moment to say goodbye, even if their respect for the long-serving shot-stopper remains undiminished.
Schmeichel, at 35, is not getting any younger after all. And his distribution is starting to become a problem too obvious to ignore. Some Leicester supporters even clamoured for Danny Ward to replace him as Brendan Rodgers’ first-choice last term, feeling that the Wales international possesses a greater command of his penalty area.
No team in the Premier League conceded more goals (19) from set-pieces in 2021/22. It would be naïve to suggest that Schmeichel is entirely blameless, even if the defenders in front of him hardly covered themselves in glory.
Kasper Schmeichel out, Odysseas Vlachodimos in at Leicester City?
According to Record in Portugal, Odysseas Vlachodimos is the most likely replacement at the King Power. Benfica are willing to sell the German-born Greece international for around £17 million, having identified Vladan Kovacevic as his successor.
Whether Vlachodimos can emulate Schmeichel’s vocal presence and shot-stopping quality remains to be seen. The 28-year-old is certainly far better with the ball at his feet. And, therefore, arguably a better fit for Rodgers’ system. Vlachodimos, per WhoScored, completed 82 per cent of his passes last season. For Schmeichel, that number drops to 69 per cent.
Leicester fans, of course, will care more about Vlachodimos’ ability to keep the ball out of the net though. Fortunately, he’s not too bad in that department either. For evidence, look at his outstanding performance against Liverpool in last term’s Champions League quarter-finals.
“(Benfica) played a really good game but the goalie was the best player,” Jurgen Klopp said. “He made a couple of really good saves.
“With the situations we had we usually score more. But we didn’t, I think mainly because of the goalie. Credit to him. And that’s pretty much the story.”
An upgrade between the sticks?
What’s more, there’s also a feeling that Leicester are targeting Vlachodimos at the right time, when competition is in short supply.
Amanda Staveley reportedly planned to open talks to bring Vlachodimos to Newcastle United. The Magpies are no longer in the running, however, after landing Nick Pope from Burnley. Arsenal, meanwhile, have brought in Matt Turner.
Crystal Palace signed Sam Johnstone, Nottingham Forest signed Dean Henderson, Man City signed Stefan Ortega, Southampton signed Gavin Bazunu, Tottenham signed Fraser Forster while West Ham brought Alphonse Areola back. Fulham, meanwhile, are closing in on Bernd Leno from Arsenal after a dalliance with Barcelona’s Neto.
The path to Vlachodimos, as far as Leicester are concerned, looks clear. Or, at least, clearer than they might have expected it to be.
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