Leicester City’s key players in their march to Premier League glory

Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante among those who shined for the new champions

Jamie Vardy: the Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy was voted the Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association (FWA). Photograph: Oli Scarffoli/AFP/Getty Images

Leicester have shocked the Premier League but claiming the crown — the first top-flight title in their history.

They have lost just three times in the season and England striker Jamie Vardy has netted 22 league goals. Here, we look at five players who have played a key part in the title success.

JAMIE VARDY

Riyad Mahrez: The PFA Player of the Year scored, so far, 18 goals this season and assisted 11 more. Photograph: Geoff Caddick/AFP/Getty Images

The record-breaker has enjoyed a fairytale season and an astonishing rise after joining the club from Fleetwood in 2012.

READ MORE

Just four years ago he was helping the Cod Army out of the National League and this summer he will, barring injury, be in England’s Euro 2016 squad.

He set a new Premier League record by scoring in 11 straight games, became the first Leicester play since Gary Lineker in 1985 to net 20 top flight league goals and was nominated for PFA Player of the Year.

RIYAD MAHREZ

The PFA Player of the Year is one of the hottest properties in football after a stunning season having scored, so far, 18 goals, assisted 11 more.

Two goals in the opening day win over Sunderland set the tone and while he has only netted four times in his last 18 games he remains one of Leicester’s stars.

Boss Claudio Ranieri has always said he would allow players to leave if they wanted to and Barcelona have been linked with the Algeria winger.

N’GOLO KANTE

The midfielder was unknown when he arrived from Caen for a reported £5.6million last summer but was a PFA Player of the Year nominee and has become a France international.

Head of recruitment Steve Walsh pushed Ranieri to sign the 25-year-old and he has helped fill the void left by Esteban Cambiasso, who left last year.

Ranieri has reaped the rewards with relentless Kante doing the dirty work for Vardy and Mahrez to let loose going forward.

DANNY DRINKWATER

His form earned the midfielder an England debut in March and pushed him to the brink of Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2016 squad.

Perhaps overlooked before being called up for England as Kante, Mahrez and Vardy grabbed the plaudits but he has been central to Leicester’s success.

A deep-lying playmaker he has complimented Kante with similar all-action displays in front of the defence.

ROBERT HUTH

A Premier League veteran, the 31-year-old’s career looked to be winding down when he joined Leicester from Stoke in January 2015.

But he has been a rock at the back for the Foxes and has also scored crucial goals, including the winner at Tottenham and a brace at Manchester City.

He won two league titles with Chelsea in 2004 and 2006 under Jose Mourinho having also played under Claudio Ranieri at Stamford Bridge.