'I try to get in the box more often' - Leicester star Ndidi discusses his new midfield role under Maresca

Nigeria international Wilfred Ndidi has opened up on his new midfield role at Leicester City under manager Enzo Maresca. 

Ndidi was originally a central defender during his days with Nath Boys Academy in Lagos and the Golden Eaglets before he was converted into a defensive midfielder at Racing Genk, from where he moved to Leicester City in January 2017.

The 26-year-old grew up idolizing John Obi Mikel, who used to play as a defensive midfielder for Chelsea and in a more advanced position for the Super Eagles. 

Maresca has handed Ndidi a completely different role in the new season, deploying him in a number 8 role or box-to-box midfielder, and the manager's ingenuity has paid off with the Nigerian scoring three goals and providing an assist from his ten appearances in all competitions. 

The fleet-footed Ndidi was at it again in Leicester's latest match in the Championship against Bristol City as he was too good for his marker, Kal Naismith, who brought him down for a penalty converted by Jamie Vardy in the 67th minute. 

The Leicester City number 25 admitted that he's adapting to his new role and being tutored by former Juventus and Sevilla midfielder Maresca.

"Kudos to the Manager because he’s trying to help me understand the role. He’s trying to help me," Nddi said to Leicester's official webpage. 

"The guys who naturally play in that role are helping me too. It’s a process. It’s going well, but I’ll keep going. It’s very interesting because I try to get in the box more often. 

"I’ve always had it but it’s taken Enzo to make me know I’ve actually got it. He’s trying to push me."

Championship table toppers Leicester City have won seven of their eight matches in the second tier with Ndidi involved in all the games.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com