The start of the LEC 2022 Spring Split is fast approaching, as the European regular season is set to kick off on January 14th. The LEC is well known for integrating new players and rookies into the major league on a routine basis. Thanks to the intrinsic circuit of ERLs, exciting new talent is discovered on a yearly basis.
While there are plenty of returning players to be excited about, here are the five newcomers to the LEC that you should keep an eye on.
5. Reeker
MAD Lions underwent a massive change this offseason as both its midlaner and bottom laner departed the roster for different squads. The defending LEC champions from both the Spring and Summer Split must defend its title with two rookies. Reeker is taking charge of the middle lane in Humanoid’s absence.
Formerly of BIG, Reeker showed promise in the NLC. The midlaner played an integral part in the team’s Spring and Summer Split championships and took the squad to the semi-finals at EU Masters Summer. While Reeker has made strides in his individual gameplay over the last two years, he will face a new challenge in integrating with an already accomplished MAD Lions squad.
4. Malrang
Rogue potentially suffered the most from this offseason, as both Inspired and Hans Sama made the move to the LCS in North America. Many were shocked to find out that instead of going for a European jungler, which there are no shortage of, Rogue opted to acquire on from the LCK.
Malrang is by no means a rookie, but this will be his first time in the LEC and on a starting roster at the beginning of a season. The South Korean jungler played several games during the LCK Summer Split for Damwon Kia as the former World Champions drastically altered its roster. Despite the unconventional reasons behind his starting position, Malring shined for the relatively few games he played.
3. Shlatan
In the previous year, Misfits were always seemingly on the cusp of greatness but could never quite maintain success. During the Summer Split particularly Misfits hit its stride but quickly fizzled out due to a poor start. After losing Razork to Fnatic, it seemed that this offseason was a step back for Misfits, however Shlatan proves to be a promising prospect.
Moved up from the Misfit Premier roster, Shlatan has found immense success in the LFL. As one of the few teams to dethrone Karmine Corp domestically, Shlatan was largely a catalyst for Misfit’s ERL success. Shlatan will be taking over a pivotal role that has almost always been a win condition for Misfits and will need to bring his success from the ERL squad with him.
2. Cinkrof
Nearly all of BDS’ roster could make this list, as a majority of the squad is coming from the Karmine Corp roster that dominated EU Master in 2021. Cinkrof however stands above the rest, as the Kcorp jungler the player facilitated a large amount of the team’s winning games. Joining two other Kcorp members in BDS, Cinkrof will have some amount of pre-existing synergy with his team.
In order for BDS to impress in its debut year, and prove that it will not a bottom-of-the-standings team like Schalke 04 was at the end of its time in the LEC, Cinkrof will have to lead his team forward.
1. Flakked
Perhaps no player has as much pressure on them going into 2022 as Flakked. The Spanish ADC is taking over the starting bottom lane spot for the most historically successful team in the LEC, G2 Esports, from the most recognizable European player, Rekkles. Unlike many of the other players featured here, Flakked as relatively few accomplishments to tote, however the young ADC has been praised for his mechanical abilities.
Also read:
- Zven set to split time with K1ng on Cloud9 Academy roster
- BDS will make its debut in the LEC with its new roster
- G2 signs Caps in a four-year contract extension
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