Phil Thompson assesses Leicester's struggles in the Premier League

By Phil Thompson, Football Expert @Phil_Thompson4

Image: Champions Leicester have been below-par in the Premier League this season

On January 23 last year, Leicester beat Stoke 3-0 at the King Power Stadium to return to the top of the Premier League table, a position Claudio Ranieri's side wouldn't relinquish again as they surged towards the title.

This year, however, things are slightly different on the domestic front. The Foxes travel to Southampton on Super Sunday in 15th, just five points clear of the relegation zone.

But where has it all gone wrong? Sky Sports pundit Phil Thompson assesses Leicester's problems...

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"The first result of the season being a defeat to Hull knocked them back and the doubts set in from that point," said Thompson. "They've also had key men missing, with Kasper Schmeichel being out, then Jamie Vardy being suspended, which they didn't have last season.

"The signings have also not been as good as they should be and haven't really settled well, while the star players Vardy and Riyad Mahrez haven't been anywhere near what they were, lacking the energy and fight.

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"Crucially, though, it's about desire and they've probably dropped about 50 per cent. Everybody got new contracts and a big hike in their salaries when N'Golo Kante went and the players don't seem to have that same drive and commitment as last season, which was so key.

"Most people would say they're where they should be now but I'd say they should be in that second tier with Everton and Southampton."

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Image: Jamie Vardy has struggled this season

What Ranieri needs to do

"I think it's very difficult for Ranieri. He's got to work on their egos to get them back to their best. He needs to get them back to the basics which bought them success, with limited possession, men behind the ball and counter-attack.

"I'd look back through the big performances last season and review the starting positions of the team.

"Another big difference they've struggled with is that a lot of the games last season they got ahead and held on and they've had to chase games, which they're not set up for."

Image: Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri has a 'difficult' task ahead
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