The Underrated Brilliance of Ricardo Pereira
While Kevin De Bruyne rightfully tops the Mostbet Power Rankings this season, flanked by Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Sadio Mané, one name stands out unexpectedly at No. 4: Ricardo Pereira. The Leicester City right-back has quietly been one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers, yet his contributions often fly under the radar.
Pereira’s story isn’t about flashy headlines or social media hype—it’s about relentless efficiency. Since joining Leicester from Porto in 2018 for £22 million, he’s played more minutes than any other outfield Foxes player. Under both Claude Puel and Brendan Rodgers, Pereira has been indispensable, blending defensive grit with attacking flair in a way that few full-backs can match.
Why Pereira Dominates the Stats Sheets
Attacking Prowess: A Modern Full-Back’s Dream
Pereira isn’t just a defender—he’s a weapon. With 5 goals and 8 assists since 2018/19, only Liverpool’s full-back duo (Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson) have contributed more. His marauding runs terrorize opponents; West Ham once deployed two left-backs to contain him—and still failed.
- Dribbling: The only Premier League defender with 100+ successful dribbles over the past two seasons.
- Final-Third Threat: Third among defenders for touches in the opposition box (behind Robertson and Wolves’ Matt Doherty).
Defensive Steel: More Than Just a Wingback
Leicester’s defensive record (second only to Liverpool in clean sheets) owes much to Pereira’s evolution. Initially shaky in duels, he now leads all Premier League defenders in:
- Tackles won since 2018/19.
- Interceptions, trailing only Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jan Bednarek.
His high-pressing style fits Rodgers’ system perfectly. Only James Maddison has won more possession in the final third for Leicester this season.
The Big-Six Snub: Why Isn’t Pereira a Household Name?
Despite winning Leicester’s Player of the Year in 2018/19 and maintaining elite form, Pereira remains overlooked. With just 7 Portugal caps and minimal media buzz, his profile pales next to peers like Alexander-Arnold. Yet, his performances scream top-tier quality:
- Key Moments: His stunning winner against Manchester City last season announced his arrival.
- Consistency: A near-ever-present for a Foxes side chasing Champions League football.
Mostbet analysis suggests Pereira would walk into any “Big Six” backline. His blend of tenacity and creativity is precisely what elite clubs crave.
Conclusion: Leicester’s Secret Weapon Deserves the Spotlight
Ricardo Pereira isn’t just a standout for Leicester—he’s one of the Premier League’s best defenders, full stop. As the Foxes push for Europe, his performances should finally earn him the recognition he’s long deserved.
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