[gavinflud]

I think their scouting team has definitely played a huge part, bringing in relative unknowns like Vardy, Mahrez and Kante. Most teams in the premier league track all sorts of statistics nowadays though, so I don't think that has set Leicester apart from the others. Companies like Opta make a fortune by providing some of this data.

Overall, I think they've recruited well, been managed well and have all played to a level most people didn't think was in them. All of that combined with the other top teams all having horrific seasons means the stars have aligned for Leicester. It would be a tragedy if they didn't go ahead and take the title now.

[ameen]

The problem for top teams is that they look for the finished article, not players getting there. So scouts from Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City wouldn't have recommended the likes of Mahrez or Vardy since they didn't have an exceptional season, also only top leagues are looked at. So a Ligue 2 player and a Championship player aren't ever in their sights.

Leicester seeking out gems from unexplored areas is what gave them these bargain signings. They wouldn't have been able to sign these players if they had to go toe to toe with big clubs.