Is Leicester's Jamie Vardy a flash in the pan?
The City No9 has developed his game while retaining the rough edges that make him such a handful, says a former Foxes' centre-forward
Snobbery about his non-League roots may be behind lack of recognition of Jamie Vardy's talent
By Alan Smith
Flash in the pan or top class talent? That sort of question may get asked a little more frequently when the form of Jamie Vardy is being discussed. The reason probably has something to do with the Leicester City striker’s roots, the fact he has come so far so quickly, from non-League football only three years ago to his heady position at the top of the Premier League scoring chart. Could his storming start to this season therefore be a slight fluke?
Reservations from some may also derive from the player’s raw style. Vardy chases the ball like a man possessed. He harasses defenders with a desperate urgency. It is like the 28 year-old is trying to impress in a trial, granted only a limited time to make his mark. Sophisticated performers aren't supposed to tear around like that. Candidates for the Golden Boot are usually more measured.
Jamie Vardy scores against West Brom
Mind you, Sergio Agüero wasn't playing for Stocksbridge Park Steels five years ago. The Argentine hitman has probably never had that sinking feeling of time running out, of missed opportunities - unlike Vardy, who is now trying to pack everything in to the years he has left. Doing it with great success, too. When Watford visit the King Power Stadium on Saturday, he will be endeavouring to score in the league for the 9th successive time.
But during the course of this spectacular run, it is important to say that Vardy has gone some way to dispelling the notion of a hungry scuffler simply enjoying some luck at the sharp end of an in-form side.
The lad from Sheffield has shown a great deal of character and an improving technique in these first few months; shown much more, in fact, than he did at the end of last term when, admittedly, he played a crucial part in Leicester’s great escape. Back then, though, it all felt like do-or-die stuff, backs-to-the-wall heroics that might be difficult to continue once the new season kicked off.
Vardy's relentless running harasses opponents
But not only has he continued it, Vardy has developed his game to become a more rounded player without losing the rough edges that make him such a handful, a little different from the norm. He is strong in the air and deadly on the deck once that burning pace has sent him clear.
He does love to smash it when the ball sits up nicely but we've also seen some clever curlers and sliders to beat the keeper.
Premier League clockwatch, Aston Villa v Swansea, Leicester v Crystal Palace, Stoke v Watford: live
Roy Hodgson may continue to regard Vardy as an impact player
As for England, it was interesting to hear Roy Hodgson try to quell ‘the hype’ surrounding the player. Hodgson knows that supporters love committed triers like this but he also knows that international football demands a great deal. Despite all the improvements, I wouldn’t be surprised if Hodgson regarded Vardy as more of an impact player from the bench than someone with the tools to shine from the start.
Vardy, for sure, has found it difficult to show his best form on the left flank where the requirements and responsibilities are so much different for someone forging a reputation by rampaging through the middle.
And my bet is that he will continue to cause headaches at Leicester for the next few years if he maintains this kind of tempo and desire. A flash in the pan? No, I don't think so. Not when it has taken him so long to reach this point.
Telegraph
