Former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is adamant Leicester City have the “weapons” to clinch this season’s English Premier League title.
The Foxes are five points clear at the top of the standings with seven games to play as they attempt to close out what would be one of the most extraordinary achievements in world football.
Claudio Ranieri’s squad has stunned many of the EPL’s traditional powerhouses with their free-scoring brand of attacking football.
However it’s at the other end of the park where Leicester has shone in recent weeks, having claimed 1-0 wins in four of their last five matches.
Schwarzer revealed the squad’s playing style has evolved as the season has progressed as teams set out to nullify their lethal counter attacking threat.
“Initially we were playing a lot more open football, we attacked whenever we had the opportunity,” Schwarzer told Sky Sports Now.
“That was one of our strengths, the ability to counter attack very quickly, and that is still one of our weapons.
“But once we hit that first clean sheet of the season, it cemented the idea that keeping clean sheets is important and is a good foundation to build on.”
The 43-year-old shot-stopper has been resigned to a supporting role to No.1 Kasper Schmeichel throughout Leicester’s giant-killing run.
However Schwarzer played a major role in ensuring the Foxes avoided relegation last season, having been in the bottom three for most of the campaign.
With the club now all but assured of playing Champions League football next season the former Chelsea goalkeeper says Leicester must do everything they can to keep hold of manager Claudio Ranieri.
"Players really like him and really admire him for his passion, dedication and wisdom," said Schwarzer.
"It is vitally important [for Leicester to keep Ranieri]. He has taken them to a completely different level.
"He will be key to keeping hold of players such as Jamie Vardy, who has recently signed a new contract, Riyad Mahrez, N'Golo Kante, Danny Drinkwater.
“Leicester will have to do all they can to hold onto these players and try to build further."