What Ruud van Nistelrooy will bring to Leicester - and why he's better than former Chelsea boss Graham Potter

Leicester City find themselves at a crucial crossroads, and the club needs a manager who can reignite their spark and keep them in the Premier League. In Ruud van Nistelrooy, the Foxes have a perfect manager for that.

Van Nistelrooy’s illustrious playing career speaks for itself. A world-class striker with a razor-sharp instinct in front of goal, Van Nistelrooy enjoyed successful stints at some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Manchester United and PSV Eindhoven. His winning mentality, evident in his trophy-laden career, has been seamlessly transferred to his coaching philosophy.

Having managed PSV Eindhoven with distinction, where he oversaw youth development and led the team to domestic success, Van Nistelrooy understands the importance of building a strong, resilient squad. He’ll bring that winning edge and mentality to Leicester.

You need to credit him also for his coaching style and how its evolved into one that blends modern tactical awareness with the attacking philosophy that defined his playing days. His teams play with fluidity, intensity, and a focus on quick transitions. There were links with former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter but I believe Van Nistelrooy deserves the job.

One of Van Nistelrooy’s most impressive attributes is his ability to get the best out of his players. He’s known for his hands-on approach and his focus on individual player development. When he was made interim manager at Manchester United, it was easy to see to see Amad Diallo’s confidence off the roof. He was playing with the aggression that you see when players are fighting for the manager.

Managing a team like Leicester City, with the club's ambition of staying the Premier League and hopefully get back to the level they were before going down two season ago, requires a manager who thrives in high-pressure situations. Van Nistelrooy, having played in some of the world’s most intense leagues and managed in Europe’s top competitions, is accustomed to the demands of elite football.

He’s no stranger to navigating tough moments, maintaining focus, and instilling confidence in his players, especially when stakes are high.He is not just about short-term gains. His long-term vision for the club is one that aligns with Leicester’s goals of sustained success.

The Foxes need a manager who can build a team that competes at the top, while also laying the foundation for continued growth, similar to what Enzo Maresca was doing before leave for Chelsea. His balanced approach to blending youth with experience, and his commitment to playing an attractive yet pragmatic style of football, means Leicester can expect both immediate improvement and long-term stability under his leadership.