Ricardo Pereira: Leicester City’s Flying Full-Back Who Took the League by Storm
In the world of modern football, the role of full-backs has dramatically evolved from simply being defenders to becoming integral parts of a team’s attacking play. One such full-back who has taken the Premier League by storm is Leicester City’s Ricardo Pereira. The Portuguese speedster has not only become a defensive stalwart for the Foxes but has also proved to be a potent threat going forward, showcasing his remarkable skills and versatility.
Born on the 6th of October, 1993, in Lisbon, Portugal, Pereira began his footballing journey with the famed youth academy of the Portuguese giants, Sporting CP. His talent was evident from an early age as he quickly progressed through the ranks and caught the attention of the national youth team selectors. He represented Portugal at various youth levels before finally making his senior debut in 2018.
In 2013, Pereira was loaned out to the Belgian club K.R.C. Genk, where he spent two successful seasons. It was during this loan spell that he truly began to showcase his attacking prowess and versatility. Pereira had the ability to play as a right-back, left-back, or even as a winger, making him a valuable asset for any team. His impressive performances in Belgium caught the attention of several clubs, including Leicester City.
In 2018, Pereira made the move to the English Premier League, joining Leicester City for a reported fee of around £22 million, a club record for a defender at the time. From the moment he stepped foot on English soil, Pereira left no stone unturned and quickly became a fan favorite at the King Power Stadium.
Pereira’s blistering pace and incredible defensive work rate were instantly recognized by Leicester fans. With his lightning-quick sprints down the wings, he provided the Foxes with a constant attacking outlet, often overlapping with the wingers and delivering pin-point crosses into the box. His ability to accurately deliver crosses was a thing of beauty, with many Leicester goals coming from his precise deliveries.
However, it is not just his attacking prowess that sets Pereira apart; his defensive abilities are equally impressive. Despite being an attacking full-back, he has displayed remarkable defensive discipline and composure, rarely getting caught out of position. His strong positional sense and ability to read the game ensured that he was always in the right place at the right time to snuff out danger.
Pereira’s influence on the Leicester team cannot be underestimated. He played a vital role in the Foxes’ remarkable journey to winning the Premier League title in the 2015/16 season and has continued to be a pillar in their success. Although injuries have disrupted his playing time at times, those who have watched him closely know that he is a player of immense talent and one of the best full-backs in the league.
His exceptional performances at Leicester City have not gone unnoticed, with several of Europe’s top clubs reportedly monitoring his progress. Pereira’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him an attractive prospect for any team. However, Leicester will be desperate to hold onto their star full-back, knowing that he is crucial to their aspirations of competing at the highest level.
Ricardo Pereira’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. He has established himself as one of the league’s most exciting full-backs, wowing fans and pundits alike with his incredible speed, defensive solidity, and attacking flair. Leicester City’s flying full-back has truly taken the Premier League by storm, leaving a lasting impact on the league with his exceptional performances.
