Is Robert Huth's the most important signature for Leicester this transfer window?

With Leicester City scrambling to build a squad deep and good enough to maintain their status as a Premier League outfit beyond 2015-16, has the club already completed its most important acquisition of the transfer window?

Had Leicester convinced Esteban Cambiasso to stay, there would be little point in posing the question. Having announced only last week that he will not be signing another contract with the Foxes, the Argentinean midfield maestro leaves enormous shoes to fill and will no doubt be causing the club’s hierarchy some sleepless nights in the upcoming weeks.

Solace, however, should be taken in knowing that Leicester has secured the services of another instrumental figure in the turnaround at the end of last season – Robert Huth. The former German international has signed a three-year deal with the Foxes following his 14-games on loan from Stoke which began in February. In the games Huth played, Leicester won seven , lost four and drew three, which is astounding considering the club had only won four games in its previous 24. In the last nine alone, they accrued 22 of a possible 27 points.

Perhaps merely looking at the results is too simplistic in analysing the impact of one player. On the other hand, it is the results – and these only – that matter (although Stoke and West Ham may disagree). However, if one delves a little deeper into the statistics, they begin to illustrate why the side’s improvement following Huth’s arrival is no coincidence.

Leicester’s defence, before the German, conceded 38 goals in 24 games, compared to 17 goals in the 14 games he was involved in. According to Squawka, his average defensive score per game was 24.09, better than fellow centre-backs Wes Morgan (19.17), Marcin Wasilewksi (16.32) and Liam Moore (4.46). Per 90 minutes, Huth had the most clearances (8), the most interceptions (3.29), won the highest percentage of aerial duels (64.37%) and had the highest overall performance score of his defensive colleagues (27.32).

The influence Huth has had on Leicester’s defence should come as no surprise. The 30-year-old has been capped 19 times for his country and has had a wealth of experience in England’s top flight with Chelsea, Middlesbrough and Stoke City. The latter, in particular, showcased his defensive prowess, making 149 appearances, during which he was an integral part of Tony Pulis’ stoic and pragmatic ‘rugby club’ playing style.

Huth is one of only a few signings so far this preseason for the East Midlands club, while Christian Fuchs is a great addition at left-back, signing from Schalke. At the other end of the pitch, Leicester has sought to add goals to their squad by signing Japanese striker Shinji Okazaki from Mainz for a rumoured £7 million. Okazaki scored 27 goals in the Bundesliga in his two seasons, but more impressively has netted 43 times in 93 games for his country, and will only compliment the likes of Leonardo Ulloa, Jamie Vardy and David Nugent.

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For a team likely to be involved in a relegation battle, goals are of course important. However, it is the reliability of a team’s defensive foundations that will keep them afloat. In saying that, Leicester enjoyed a lot of success playing a back three under Nigel Pearson and is something that newly appointed manager, Claudio Ranieri, is interested in persisting with, at least to begin his tenure.

Ranieri, in an interview on the club’s official site has said, “it is not possible to change too much because I watched matches and they are very solid when they play three at the back and then we can change three midfielders or two in midfield with two on the flank.”

Obviously, securing Huth will ensure that Leicester have enough quality at the back to allow a 3-4-3 formation. It also allows Ranieri to slowly transition the side to play the style he wants them to – an approach that defies his “Tinkerman” moniker.

Having Huth sign his contract early in the window should not be underestimated. He is reliable, experienced, a fighter, a leader of men and a huge physical presence. This is not to say that Leicester will be content with their moves so far, and will no doubt be looking to significantly strengthen their brittle midfield before the window shuts. Huth, unless Leicester pulls a proverbial rabbit out of the hat, will prove to be the shrewdest of all their dealings.

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