Twenty-five separate players have been deployed by Marti Cifuentes in the Championship so far this season, and after nine matches, he might now be closing in on his strongest starting XI.
The Leicester City boss would probably argue that he doesn’t have a fixed best 11. Each player offers a distinct profile, meaning the ideal lineup varies depending on the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses.
Still, a clearer understanding is forming of what Cifuentes wants from his side — and which players best embody those demands.
It’s been a challenging couple of months for the Spaniard, who hasn’t enjoyed the same privileges Enzo Maresca once had.
By the beginning of the campaign two years ago, City’s squad was mostly settled. The unsettled players had departed, and the necessary recruits were in, with the likes of Mads Hermansen, Callum Doyle, Harry Winks, and Stephy Mavididi all starting the opening game. Only Abdul Fatawu arrived later, just before the deadline.
For Cifuentes, however, the season began amid uncertainty, with the squad still in flux. The manager had to rely on players who would later leave while omitting others whose futures were unresolved.
Since the transfer window closed and everyone’s place became clearer until at least January, those sidelined early on have grown more prominent. Now, Cifuentes’ preferred lineup is beginning to take shape.
Here’s a breakdown of each position, what Cifuentes expects, and who currently fits the bill.
Goalkeeper:
Jakub Stolarczyk remains the undisputed number one, and it would take a significant dip in form to change that. Fran Vieites’ arrival momentarily cast doubt over his position — especially given the Spaniard’s European semi-final experience — but with the ex-Real Betis keeper yet to make the bench, those doubts have faded.
Right-back:
Ricardo Pereira, the captain, is one of the most intelligent and skilful players in the team. He starts whenever fit. The role has evolved slightly in recent matches, with more emphasis on tucking inside beside the deepest midfielder, much like under Maresca. Whatever the system, Ricardo remains the best option — provided his hamstrings hold up.
Centre-backs:
One key change has come here. Caleb Okoli appeared to be a favourite early on, but he’s since lost his place to Wout Faes. The Belgian, once tipped to leave, has reestablished himself alongside Jannik Vestergaard — a pairing few fans expected given last season’s struggles. Yet, both are the best with the ball: Vestergaard excels at passing through lines, while Faes drives forward effectively. Their defensive work hasn’t been flawless, but it’s been solid overall.
Left-back:
Even a rough outing against Wrexham, where he was subbed off at halftime, didn’t end Luke Thomas’ streak of starts. With Victor Kristiansen not even on the bench, Thomas looks secure unless injury or suspension strikes. His form has been steady, and he’s earned the chance to build on it.
Deep midfielder:
Harry Winks found himself in a similar situation to Faes. Once a likely departure, he’s now become indispensable. No one in the squad controls tempo and progression like him. He boasts the Championship’s highest pass completion rate and ranks just behind Matt Grimes for passes into the final third. With Boubakary Soumare and Oliver Skipp both fading from contention, Winks’ spot looks untouchable.
Number eights:
Cifuentes’ recent tweaks have pushed one midfielder higher, creating a more dynamic double-eight system — reminiscent of the Ndidi and Dewsbury-Hall partnership two years back. Jordan James looks nailed-on for one of those roles, combining energy, technical ability, and defensive balance.
The other spot is still up for debate. Bobby De Cordova-Reid has started the past two games and seems trusted by Cifuentes, but Aaron Ramsey could soon take over once he’s fully fit. The Burnley loanee offers goals, drive, and creativity — qualities tailor-made for the role.
Right wing:
Abdul Fatawu has astonishingly shown zero aftereffects from his ACL injury. As electric and dangerous as ever, he’s arguably the best player in the league and an automatic starter whenever fit.
Left wing:
Based on recent displays, Jeremy Monga might have overtaken Stephy Mavididi. The teenager started two games in a row, impressing both times despite aggressive defending from full-backs. When Mavididi returns after the break, Monga should still be favourite to keep his place.
Striker:
This is the most intriguing position. Fans may grumble, but Patson Daka looks the likelier starter because his movement stretches defences and opens space for midfield runners — something Jordan Ayew’s deeper playstyle doesn’t provide.
Though Daka’s goal record (one in 46 games) is poor, his pressing and off-ball runs make the team’s attack function more fluidly. If he helps City as a collective, that trade-off might be worth it.
So, as Cifuentes’ vision sharpens, City’s best XI begins to emerge — a mix of tactical balance, hard work, and players rediscovering form under the Spaniard’s evolving system.