Full-time Fletch... on surprise package Leicester City

Leicester City have transformed themselves into a genuinely good side and, with more than a third of the season gone, I don’t think you can dismiss them as a flash in the pan. When they have their first team fit, firing and playing with confidence, they are a match for anyone in the league.

However, there might be clouds on the horizon; they definitely need to keep hold of their best players in the January transfer window.

I’d be surprised if bids don’t come in for Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and possibly others. The owners are very wealthy so if they can resist any offers. I think Leicester have a genuine chance of finishing in the top six. But if those two in particular got injured and were out for any period of time, it would be a big blow.

If they lost Vardy then would they be the same team? I doubt it.

Passionate​

But let’s focus on the positives — they’ve played this way for about 20 games now. It started at the end of last season when they escaped relegation by going on a fantastic run. So this is now the way they play; with pace, power and very direct.

Some are making parallels with Southampton from last season but this Leicester side score more goals so have a chance in every game. The atmosphere at their stadium is also as good as I’ve experienced in the Premier League and really lifts the players. It’s full of noisy and passionate fans and the players feed off that. They create a perfect storm.

The biggest credit you can give manager Claudio Ranieri is that he’s not tinkered with the team and has stayed with what is working. I admit I thought he was a poor fit when he got the job last summer but he’s proved me wrong. He’s an experienced manager and recognised their style of play, their strengths and has kept the momentum going.

They seem a side very much together. The Tinkerman has adapted his style to fit them.

Just imagine if Leicester can maintain their form and perhaps finish in the top four — it would be one of the great football stories — simply sensational.