Yahoo Sport 
Leicester City Fan View: Iborra return gives Foxes an edge
Claude Puel will be pleased that one week can change moods so drastically. After knee-jerk reactions calling for his head last week, a convincing 4-1 win away from home has left his doubters silent. Tactically, the Foxes looked naive against Bournemouth and Puel reverted to a more familiar style, reaping the rewards. Several changes helped change recent frustrations, none more so than Vicente Iborra.
No coincidence that when Vicente Iborra plays, the Foxes’ form is better
Vicente Iborra is the epitome of calm personified. At no point against West Brom did he look to even break a sweat and you never get any indication of panic from him. As apt at covering defensively as he is in getting forward, it was about time we got him playing again. Fans have been crying out for it and it’s no coincidence that we look better with him in the side. His calm approach looks to be a positive influence on all.
READ MORE: Claude Puel is taking Leicester in the right direction, but all changes take time
READ MORE: Why Leicester City need to include Vicente Iborra and Adrien Silva more
Part of this can be accredited to his experience. Having captained Sevilla during numerous European excursions and playing the big boys of La Liga, it’s invaluable. Likely a key factor in bringing him to the club with the young Wilfred Ndidi a mainstay in midfield.
I’m a firm believer that having Vicente Iborra alongside him compliments Ndidi. They have a good understanding and with Iborra’s ability to read the game so well, it makes for a commanding midfield. The midfielder added another goal to his tally. His tall, powerful presence a good asset for set pieces. Marc Albrighton’s beautifully delivered corner served the opportunity on a plate. Iborra barely had to move to land the header and make it 4-1 for the Foxes.
If he’s not cemented a starting place after this, there will be questions.
Where would we be without Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez?
On any other day, Iborra would easily have been Man of the Match. With both Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez on top form though, both made themselves contenders. Media focus around Mahrez continues to question his choices, his future. The man himself? It’s obvious from recent performances that it’s certainly not distracting him. The magician dazzled again. His vision, his passing and that first touch.
AS IT HAPPENED: West Brom v Leicester
READ MORE: Vardy and Leicester pile misery on Pardew
READ MORE: Pardew slams Krychowiak and awaits West Brom talks
The Vardy and Mahrez partnership looks stronger than ever. You only have to watch our equaliser, and see Alan Pardew’s reaction, to know it’s a special goal. Vardy on the move before Mahrez even lofted the ball into place. It’s a wordless understanding and deadly to the opposition. This wasn’t just a one time ball from Mahrez. The Algerian was a big focal point against West Brom, that weighted pass in for the striker easily the best of the lot.
Vardy is a constant thorn in the side of West Brom. Not least for his goal record at the Hawthorns, but equally his constant taunting. The kind of thing you love when it’s your player and despise when it’s not. The England striker can be forgiven for the excited reaction though with a goal so good. Struck first time, it dispels any continued doubts about Vardy. For somebody we’re always told is not a natural finisher, it looked convincing. A goal of the season contender from the striker whose current form is only bettered by the likes of Aguero, Salah and Kane.
With both players at the top of their game, it does pose a slightly concerning question of what we’ll do without them when it comes to that. It also reaffirms that all Vardy ever needs is good service. How little he’s seen of that lately shows why we’ve struggled. Having Shinji Okazaki back, our ever reliable, under the radar link-up man is no coincidence either.
The FA Cup is calling and Leicester are desperate to progress
Our fight to try and better eighth in the Premier League goes on hold for a week. Chelsea our opponents in the quarter finals of the FA Cup. With seventh looking to be our best potential finish in the league, progression in the Cup would be welcomed by fans. We’ll be boosted by all things falling into place against West Brom. Defensively, we started out shakily but a superb save from Kasper Schmeichel helped turn the game and our defence stood strong thereafter. Our forwards looked ever dangerous and the score line could have been worse.
Our cup success of late has been non-existent and there really appears to be no excuse not to throw everything we have at aiming for the final. Should Claude Puel manage this, and maintain or improve our league position, he may just win over a few more of the doubters.
