Leicester Loan Report: Play-offs, Survival And Relegation

Championship-bound Leicester City’s loanees were once again in action this weekend, as they played out some of their last games with their respective clubs. With the campaign being almost over, a lot was at stake for these young players. Here is the Leicester Loan report for a week full of relegations, survival and play-offs.

Leicester Loan Report: Play-offs, Survival And A First Goal

Will Alves – Cardiff City

England international at youth level, Will Alves, played his 13th game for Cardiff City at the weekend. His side came into the fixture joint last with 43 points, three points adrift from safety.

Despite not starting the game, Alves would try to make an impact as a 70th-minute substitute. However, this didn’t happen as he only managed seven touches, five of which were passes. It would be fair to say the winger has had a good loan with the Welsh side since joining in February.

His one goal and three assists didn’t end up being enough as the Bluebirds’ relegation was confirmed. Great minutes and experience for Alves came in his first professional loan, as he hopes to break into the first team next season.

Ben Nelson – Oxford United

Likewise to Alves, Ben Nelson’s Oxford United were also embroiled in the fight for survival. They were sitting in 19th, coming into their fixture with promotion hopeful Sunderland, who had already guaranteed their play-off spot.

Nelson, in his 16th start for the U’s put on a masterclass from centre-back. The 21-year-old managed to score his first goal for the side, whilst also keeping a clean sheet. Furthermore, he also made seven recoveries, six clearances and a block.

A mature and measured performance once again from the Englishman, whose performance also helped Oxford confirm their survival in the second tier. Similar to his already mentioned former academy teammate, Nelson will also be looking to crack the first team next year after proving his worth in the division.

Wanya Marçal – De Graafschap

Portuguese winger, Wanya Marçal Madivadua has had quite a tumultuous period whilst on loan in the Dutch second tier. The academy graduate has managed just 10 appearances so far this season, due to lengthy injuries.

Despite this, in recent weeks, he has been able to force his way into the promotion-chasing side. In his most recent fixture for De Graafschap, he was able to get off the mark as he scored his first goal for the club. A header at the back post trickled in and past the keeper to bring his side back into the game. Despite still losing, Marçal had one of his best games in blue and white stripes. In the 45 minutes that he played, six dribbles were completed, two passes into the final third, and seven ground duels were won.

After impressing under Enzo Maresca in the 2023/24 season and now ending the term strongly in the Netherlands, Marçal could be stating his claim to remain a squad option for the Foxes next season.

Oliver Ewing – Buxton FC

Meanwhile in the sixth tier of English Football, Oliver Ewing capped off a tremendous season for Buxton. The midfielder joined ‘the Bucks’ in February and made an instant impact as he won the club’s Player Of The Month award that month.

This brilliant form would then continue as he found the net on multiple occasions and played 17 games. Most recently, Buxton faced off against already relegated Warrington Town, with a chance to make the play-offs. Ewing would go on to have one of his best games whilst on loan as he registered 96 touches, 57 passes, 4 dribbles and even a shot coming off the woodwork. These numbers, whilst playing in a double pivot is remarkable and was the difference maker on the day as they won 2-0.

Buxton also booked their place in the play-offs due to the result as they finished seventh. Whilst it’s fair to say that Ewing is unlikely to be in the Foxes’ Championship squad next season due to the level of football, he has still shown his abilities that would be useful for any side in and around the Football League.

Ben Grist – Worksop Town

In comparison to the aforementioned Ewing, Ben Grist also left the East Midland’s Academy in the winter. He joined Worksop Town in the Northern Premier League Premier, as they looked to finish in the play-offs, as former Leicester City player Robbie Savage’s Macclesfield had run away with the title. This would eventually be achieved as they finished 2nd courtesy of a 3-2 win on the last day away at Blyth Spartans. The 20-year-old defender has been a revelation since joining Worksop as he helped them to a scintillating run of nine wins in a row. Read More: Who Could Be Leaving Spurs This Summer Similarly to Ewing, Grist’s future with the East Midlands club is much more unclear than the likes of Marçal, Nelson or Alves. Despite this, he has proved to be strong at this level and could be playing divisions up soon.