Player Focus: In-form Vardy Warranting England Recognition
As the upcoming international break nears, much of the focus will be on Jack Grealish. The Aston Villa attacker this week confirmed his allegiance to England, stating that he opted to play for his country of birth, rather than Republic of Ireland. The player’s father is Irish but despite acting as his advisor, it came as little shock when Grealish announced his decision on Monday.
While he is unlikely to gain international clearance in time for England’s upcoming European Championship qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania, the 20-year-oldis already being tipped for a call up to the national team sooner rather than later, regardless of form. Until then, however, it will be interesting to see who Hodgson selects for the remaining Euro 2016 qualifiers. England are already guaranteed a place in France next summer having won all of their eight qualifying matches so far. Supporters won’t want to see the national team take their foot off the gas, however, with the Three Lions rightly confident of ending the qualification campaign with a 100% record.
With the squad announcement looming, there were those who warranted a chance to stake a claim for a national spot. Callum Wilson started the season brightly for Bournemouth, but is now sidelined for six months after suffering a knee injury in the 2-1 loss at Stoke. Luke Shaw is another who will certainly miss out after the left-back broke his leg against PSV in the Champions League. However, a number of Premier League performers have perhaps done enough to receive the call from Hodgson.
Many would not begrudge the likes of Jack Cork, Eric Dier and Micah Richards a call up to the England team, while one player more than likely to retain his place in the squad is Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy. The 28-year-old is a late bloomer on the international scene, having only made his England debut back in June after Vardy enjoyed a respectable debut campaign in England’s top tier following the Foxes’ promotion. Nevertheless, with a modest WhoScored rating of 6.80 there was room from improvement, of that there is no doubt.
Given his exploits, Nigel Pearson’s sacking came as something of a surprise, despite his off-field issues, with the Englishman working wonders in keeping Leicester in the Premier League. In his place came Claudio Ranieri and many tipped the Midlands outfit to succumb to relegation as a result. However, seven games into the season and the Foxes are sitting pretty in 7th. Saturday’s 5-2 defeat to Arsenal was their first of the season, with Ranieri’s side one of the most entertaining in the league.
Riyad Mahrez (8.46) is currently Europe’s highest-rated player and has deservedly drawn the plaudits, while Danny Drinkwater and Marc Albrighton have both rightly had praise thrust their way. However, it’s Vardy who is the stand out English player in the Premier League thus far. His WhoScored rating (7.80) is better than any compatriot in England’s top tier and ranks among the top 5 players - not bad for a player who was plying his trade in the Conference as recently as 2012. A brace against Arsenal on Saturday took him to 6 league goals for the season, more than any other player in the top division of English football.
Ranieri has helped bring out the best in the striker, with the Italian’s favoured 4-4-2 formation benefitting Vardy, among others. Just 17 of his 26 league starts last season came up front, with Pearson denying the Englishman the chance to really impress as the lead striker. However, with ‘The Tinkerman’ at the Leicester helm, he has clearly identified Vardy’s attacking talents and allowed him to flourish, with each of his 7 starts coming up front, 6 of which have been alongside summer arrival Shinji Okazaki.
The Japan international’s clever movement off the ball and constant running has helped Vardy thrive. While Dave Nugent and Leonardo Ulloa were efficient focal points, Okazaki’s ability to drag defenders out of position allows for Vardy to exploit the space in behind. Yet, the England international does not shirk from the physical side of the game either having averaged a respectable 1.4 tackles and won more aerial duels per game (3.6) than any Leicester player. He’s a player who is happy to chase any loose ball if it helps create chances for teammates. Indeed, only Mahrez (2.6) is making more key passes per game than Vardy (1.7) at the club.
He is a player currently oozing confidence, with his second goal against Arsenal testament to this. Petr Cech made an excellent stop, but was unable to properly clear his lines. When the ball eventually fell to Vardy, rather than snatch at the effort to the left of the Arsenal goal the striker remained composed in the area to find the far corner with a curling effort. An average of 3.3 shots per game is over double that of last season (1.4) and it’s clear a more defined role has benefitted both player and club.
Ahead of the England squad announcement, Vardy is expected to be given the call by Hodgson and handed another chance to stake a claim for a regular starting berth for the national team. As Euro 2016 nears, the former Halifax and Fleetwood Town frontman is presented with the opportunity to realise a dream of representing his country at a major tournament. Vardy is the in-form frontman in the Premier League at present, so international recognition is little more than he currently deserves.
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