Jamie Vardy bagged a brace against Watford on Saturday and now that display has set a template for Leicester City to get the most from him.
Leicester City were back in the win column over the weekend in a 2-0 victory against Watford. The win sees Enzo Maresca‘s side move three points clear of Ipswich Town again.
In the game, undoubtedly, the standout performer was brace scoring Jamie Vardy who could actually and maybe should have bagged a hat trick.
He was also ‘lucky’ to not be sent off following a foul on Watford defender Wesley Hoedt, which has been heavily criticised by Valerien Ismael.
After the game, Matt Piper has gave his verdict on Vardy and told Maresca how to get the best out of him.
How to get the best from Vardy
Speaking on the When You’re Smiling podcast, former Leicester man Matt Piper gave Maresca some advice.
“We understand the way Maresca wants to play, he does want the nine to come toward the ball and get involved with the build-up,” Piper explained.
He then continued to add Vardy’s role against Watford was far better suited.
“But when Vardy came on it was the first time I thought this season that, he didn’t play on the shoulder, but think about the opportunities he had and where he did play, he did sort of operate a lot higher in the pitch. That’s when you’re going to get the best out of Jamie Vardy.”
Maresca needs Vardy at the top of his game
Maresca was told last week that his forwards were showing a concerning lack of goals. However a week on, this argument is voided with Vardy back amongst the goals.
Vardy will need to be at his best over the next few months with two of Leicester’s four strikers heading to AFCON in January. This leaves just Tom Cannon who has been described as a natural goalscorer, to support Vardy.
This could be a problem for Leicester given how little game time Cannon has got since arriving at the club. So expect him to be quickly bedded in during December before Kelechi Iheanacho and Patson Daka both depart for AFCON.