Ranieri a breath of fresh air at Leicester who can write their own script

Hindsight is a funny thing. The naysayers could not have been more wrong and aptly the Italian has been more silver Fox so far this term, applying cunning to each match rather than indecision.

His activity in the transfer market as well is a clear indicator of his many contacts across Europe and his sway with top players; proven by his recruitment of all-action midfielder Gokhan Inler, who is already making last term’s player of the season Esteban Cambiasso seem like a distant memory.

Ranieri has an ability to also get the best out of players, as demonstrated by the remarkable rise of Riyad Mahrez, who at €450k is arguably one of the bargains of the Premier League in recent years, having signed from French outfit Le Havre last summer.

The Algeria international has already equalled his goal tally for last season, with four strikes, though, perhaps more impressive is his impact for the team. All of a sudden, Mahrez is their go-to man, the game-changer.

Ranieri clearly put his arm around him during pre-season and the result has been nothing short of exceptional. The same could be said for former Aston Villa player Marc Albrighton on the other wing.

Nothing more than an average player at best last season, he now appears to be a world beater. While some might say, he’s operating in the shadow of Mahrez, the 25-year-old is playing with confidence and has contributed three assists so far.

Going back to basics was evidently Ranieri’s plan in the summer. The use of genuine wide players and an orthodox box-to-box player; another in midfield who can be relied upon to distribute, defend and start attacks in Manchester United trainee Danny Drinkwater outlines a very balanced and conventional midfield four.

The swift nature of Nathan Dyer’s loan move from Swansea on deadline day outlines the efficiency and organisation of the board to act.

A helicopter had already been sent to the Liberty Stadium two hours before Leicester made their bid, though the quality of such a signing highlights not only the club’s ambition, but also how they have become such a magnet.

Without a doubt, Ranieri has brought in Italian influence of high stamina levels and defensive maturity, though communication at the back, compared to much of last season is there for all to see, and in this the experience of Robert Huth gives them an edge.

A variety of options in attack highlights a couple of Plan Bs for the Foxes. In Andrej Kramaric and Shinji Okazaki, they have two accomplished and savvy finishers, with the latter also an experienced campaigner who knows how to play against defenders. Jamie Vardy’s searing speed, meanwhile, and Leonardo Ulloa’s aerial ability lends an effective and alternative ‘little and large’ combination up front to wreak havoc.

Currently second in the Premier League, it is highly unlikely the Foxes will keep this up; however, Ranieri is on evidence so far, the man to take them forward and they have the luxury of being able to spend in January to add more quality.