With most Premier League sides being well into their pre-season schedules, Leicester City played out an entertaining clash against National League side Lincoln City on Tuesday evening.
New Foxes' boss Claudio Ranieri stressed the importance of this match, with players being keen to regain their match fitness. Most only participated for 45 minutes in a ploy to avoid injuries but fans could see it was a valuable exercise for Leicester.
The Premier League side eventually ran out 3-1 winners against the Midlands minnows at Sincil Bank but it was a hard days work for Leicester in the end. So, what did players, punters, coaches and fans learn from the trip to Lincoln?
1) Original could be best
With Leicester seemingly struggling in the first-half against Lincoln City (following an early penalty for the hosts) a potential upset could have been on the cards in the East Midlands.
Claudio Ranieri started a side that included the new signings of Robert Huth, Shinji Okazaki and Christian Fuchs in the first period and Foxes' fans were anxious to see what they could offer their new club. However, it proved to be a difficult first period for the Premier League side as they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against a side that are currently plying their trade in the fifth tier of English football.
But as half-time approached, Leicester favourites in the forms of Riyad Mahrez and Leonardo Ulloa combined to score the goal (that the former coolly converted) to haul the Foxes back into the game, much to the relief of fans.
After the break, with a totally different eleven that had been seen previously, Andrej Kramaric and Jamie Vardy then stepped up to score goals that swung the game in the visitors' favour after an energy-taxing game.
Marc Albrighton and Jeffrey Schlupp also played key roles in their side's victory; the wingers troubling Lincoln's full-backs all game. So, with the new signings only getting limited time to impress and further additions at the King Power stadium expected, is big investment in the squad really needed?
2) Ranieri utilises youth
Following the dynamic Italian's unveiling, Leicester fans were glad to learn that he wished to use youth in his future squads. He told Leicester's official website that "If one player is good, he plays" in response to questions about the Midlands club's academy and youth team.
This promise was upheld by Ranieri against Lincoln as he included young professionals Jack Barmby, Ben Chilwell and Tom Lawrence within the squad to play the Imps. Leicester City academy graduates Liam Moore, Jeffrey Schlupp and Andy King (who was given the captain's armband in the second period) also featured prominently within the match.
With each player gaining a valuable 45 minutes game time, the starlets could possibly be on their way into the Foxes' first team.
Leicester's academy regularly produced top-class players that dazzled the top flight and beyond. For example, those that immediately spring to mind are stars such as Gary Lineker, Emile Heskey and Peter Shilton.
Possessing a manager who has previously brought through world-class players such as John Terry and Gianfranco Zola, Leicester fans will be hopeful that Ranieri could discover and develop similar stars in the Midlands.
3) Kramaric to fulfil his potential?
Following a somewhat disappointing maiden campaign in the Premier League, Andrej Kramaric could possibly be set for a sparkling season in royal blue judging by this display. The Croatian managed to get on the scoresheet with a stunning 20-yard strike that looped over Imps' goalkeeper Paul Farman.
Kramaric, who signed for Leicester in the last January transfer window from HNK Rijeka, looked full of energy throughout and was a constant menace to Lincoln City's back line as he linked well with fellow strikers David Nugent and Jamie Vardy. He did however, waste a few golden opportunities but this is only to be expected early in pre-season.
Having scored only three goals for Leicester last season, fans are hopeful that Kramaric will regain his former deadly marksman title that amazingly earned him the golden-boot in the Croatian league, with the young striker only playing for half of the season.
Kramaric will also be desperate to continue a high-level of performance, with competition in the Foxes squad plentiful and provided by the likes of Leonardo Ulloa, Shinji Okazaki, Jamie Vardy and David Nugent. So, Ranieri may have a very welcome headache come the start of the 15/16 Premier League season.
4) Mahrez still a bargain
Although the result seemed to be very comfortable in the Premier League side's favour, it did take a few moments of inspiration from Leicester's Algerian star to secure the win. Often associated with amazing goals and dazzling trickery, Riyad Mahrez is very much a match-winner for the Foxes.
A man of the match display from the winger in the first half was accompanied by a goal and several mazy runs that have become a trademark for Mahrez. Fans will be hoping that his form can continue into next season, with him being crucial to the Foxes' 'Great Escape' (scoring four goals and assisting three).
Having only been signed for a reported £400,000 eighteen months ago from French club Le Havre, it is astounding to see the drastic improvement that he has made. Mahrez was recently playing in Ligue 2 but in his time at Leicester he has made his Premier League debut, performed at the 2014 Brazil World Cup and become a regular in the Algeria national side.
However, recently there has been speculation linking Mahrez to sides like Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal following his stellar performances for the Midlands outfit. But, Leicester fans will be desperate to keep their star winger following the departure of fans' favourite Anthony Knockaert to Standard Liege.
5) Leicester in need of midfield inforcements
Throughout the game it became progressively clear that Leicester desperately need to bolster their midfield options. At the time of writing, the only central midfielders that Leicester can utilise are Andy King, Danny Drinkwater and Dean Hammond. With Matty James still out until at least Christmas, it is difficult seeing Claudio Ranieri not investing in this area.
Tackling a difficult first period, the Foxes' struggled to create any chances of note through the midfield, with it often lacking a cutting edge and sometimes strength. Throughout the second half however, Leicester controlled possession but it is hard to predict whether this will be the case in a much more combative Premier League game.
Also, with Esteban Cambiasso announcing via his official Facebook page that he would not be returning to the club, the team have lost a crucial cog. The inspiring and often brilliant midfielder played a key role in Leicester's survival as he achieved the club's Player of the Season award.
Overall, it is evident that Leicester need at least two midfielders in order to gain a balanced and capable squad in order to compete in matches. It would be useful if they were to sign reported targets N'Golo Kante or Namaplys Mendy.
In conclusion, this game provided a wealth of information about the state of the current Leicester team. It will be interesting to see how the squad is developed for yet more upcoming friendlies and, of course, the opening game of the Barclays Premier League against Sunderland in less than three weeks time.
