Nigerian midfielder has much to learn from Leicester City’s Champions League journey

Against Atletico Madrid, Ndidi was heavily involved, defending and joining Leicester City attack at intervals.

There will be no fairytale for Leicester City in the Champions League as they crashed out in the quarter-finals, losing 2-1 on aggregate to Atletico Madrid.

After losing just 1-0 in Spain, Leicester City had all to play for at home but conceded a goal in the first half to make the task almost impossible.

They equalised in the 60th minute through Jamie Vardy but could not get two goals to get their winner.

play Leicester City played out a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday (AFP)

Leicester City, however, leave the Champions League with their heads high and for Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, it’s just about the lessons he has learnt from the game.

“The experience of the game, the pace and there’s so much more to learn from this game,” Ndidi told BBC after the game. 

“Actually the first goal was just a sad one, I think not for the first goal, we could have done better.

“I have learnt a lot of lessons basically, individual players. I have learnt so much.

“We are really proud of the way we took the game.”

play Wilfred Ndidi says he has learnt a lot playing in the Champions League ( Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)

ALSO READ: Stats behind Wilfred Ndidi in the first leg against Atletico Madrid

Against Atletico Madrid, Ndidi was heavily involved, defending and joining Leicester City attack at intervals.

He had one successful take on, won 50% of his aerial duels, made two interceptions, committed one foul and made one block.

The 20-year-old came close to scoring for Leicester City mid-way in the second half but couldn’t get his foot on the ball properly and missed the target.

play Wilfred Ndidi missed a chance to give Leicester City the lead in the second half. (AFP/Getty Images)

Generally, it was still a good game for the midfielder who is still raw and on a learning curve. Of course, there are areas he needs to work on.

Ndidi needs to be more combative as a defensive midfielder and his positioning in the middle is also questionable.

The Nigeria international has now played in four Champions League, a great learning platform games for him.