Champions League round of 16 power rankings
By James Dudko
8. Leicester
The Foxes justifiably prop up the second half of the rankings as they enter the knockout phase in perhaps the least convincing form of any team in the last 16.
Leicester are hovering just above the bottom three in England’s top flight. It’s an alarming dip that’s seen title-winning manager Claudio Ranieri’s future questioned.
Ranieri’s main problem has been seeing last season’s key players regress. In particular, the goals have dried up for star striker Jamie Vardy. The 30-year-old has yet to score in this competition, per WhoScored.com.
Vardy’s barren run isn’t the Foxes’ only problem, though. Last season’s defensive resolve has disappeared, while the midfield has been wrecked by the sale of N’Golo Kante to a Chelsea side set to succeed City as English champions.
A rare bright spot has been the positive early impression made by new man Wilfred Ndidi. Signed from Genk for £15 million in January, the 20-year-old has added power and technical quality in the middle.
Still, Leicester are lacking too much to outlast Sevilla.