Marc Albrighton is once again Leicester’s European hero as the Foxes secure first-leg victory against Rennes

Marc Albrighton is by no means in the bracket of Leicester’s top players. However, in his eighth season with the Foxes, the 32-year-old is still firmly in Brendan Rodgers’ plans and was a kingpin in the first leg of their Europa Conference League round of 16 tie against Ligue 1 outfit Rennes.

The Englishman scored Leicester’s first against the French side on Thursday evening before assisting what could be a crucial second goal from substitute Kelechi Iheanacho.

After a strong opening 20 minutes from the visitors, Rodgers’ men rallied and grew into the game before Harvey Barnes’ cutback was met with a thumping strike from Albrighton that pummelled the roof of the net on the half-hour mark.

A second-half of little action suggested that the Foxes would be taking a one-goal lead to northwest France next week as they look to win the inaugural Conference League title, however, Mr. Reliable was at it again.

Following some half-hearted defending from Bruno Genesio’s side, the winger was found on the right-flank in acres of space to then cut back to substitute striker Iheanacho who made no mistake with the finish. A massive goal that could prove to be the difference in this tie.

Marc Albrighton goals are a rarity, with the 32-year-old’s only other two strikes this campaign coming in the league against Norwich City and FA Cup against Watford, with the Englishman netting a total of 18 in 277 appearances since making the switch across the Midlands from Aston Villa in 2014.

However, this isn’t the first time the Tamworth-born winger has been the star man in Europe for the Foxes.

Rewind back to 2016 when City were fresh from their miraculous Premier League title win and in the Champions League, the first test of the group stage was a trip to Belgian outfit Club Brugge.

Despite being newbies in Europe the fresh-faced Foxes ran out comfortable 3-0 winners, with Albrighton bagging the club’s first-ever Champions League goal in Belgium whilst also registering an assist in the home game against Brugge as the East Midlands outfit reached the quarter-finals.

The Englishman also scored another goal during that campaign as Leicester overcame a 2-1 deficit against Sevilla to beat the Spaniards 2-0 in the second leg of their round of 16 tie, with Albrighton netting the decisive goal at the King Power Stadium.

It took the Foxes over three years to experience European football again as their fifth-placed finish in 2019/20 secured Europa League football, despite being frustratingly close to finishing in the top-four.

Last season’s campaign in Europe wasn’t as prolific for Albrighton, although one of his seven assists in all competitions came away at Portuguese side Braga.

Having played just 37 minutes in the Europa League this term before Rodgers’ side were relegated to the newly-formed Conference League, the Englishman has already played 240 minutes in the third tier of European football and could prove to be a vital asset.

Leicester are currently the bookies’ favourites to be crowned the first-ever winners of the Europa Conference League and are in an excellent position to reach the quarter-finals after a disciplined display against Rennes on Thursday night.

Despite being favourites though, should the Foxes progress there are still some European heavyweights knocking around in the competition with Roma, PSV and Marseille all involved.

He may not be the most skilful or pacey wide man, but Marc Albrighton can certainly be a key player for Brendan Rodgers for the remainder of the campaign, with the Conference League appearing to be the most likely way of saving what has so far been a severely underwhelming season.

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