Is Leicester’s Vardy really the Real deal after scoring run?
Published:
Sam Barnard, Assistant Sports Editor | October 26, 2015
- Foxes forward’s 2015/16 goal tally amongst the best in Europe
- Top of the Premier League scoring charts by four goals with 10
- Strike against Palace was seventh in succession in the league
- Form has reportedly caught attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs
Vardy the surprise record-breaker
Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy’s incredible scoring form is now beginning to make people think that perhaps the late bloomer really is amongst Europe’s elite and not just a one-season wonder.
The Yorkshireman, now 28, made an impression last term, getting five goals and 10 assists in the Premier League to help the Foxes (9/2 with Coral for a top six finish) dramatically survive the drop back down to the Championship.
However, rather than sit back and diminish after a demanding campaign, like so many have before, Vardy has well and truly kicked on and shown that he has the ability and consistency to match almost anyone in the world.
From non-league to PL Golden Boot?
The Foxes forward, who only five years ago was playing for non-league outfit Stocksbridge Park Steels, has scored a highly impressive 10 in 10 league appearances already this term – double his tally in 34 2014/15 games – to help his team up to fifth place and three points off leaders Manchester City. He can be backed at 8/1 to be top Premier League marksman.
Getting his latest strike against Crystal Palace in 1-0 win, Vardy has netted in seven successive matches, to go equal with Coral blogger Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Ian Wright, Emmanuel Adebayor and Mark Stein. He is now just one behind Daniel Sturridge and Ruud van Nistelrooy, while the latter holds the record of 10.
Upcoming Foxes appointments beware the record-chaser
Leicester’s next Premier League fixtures are West Bromwich Albion (away), Watford (home) and Newcastle United (away), while ironically Van Nistelrooy’s total could be topped in the following match against his former club Manchester United.
It is not only in the Premier League that Vardy’s run looks impressive, but in Europe too, and he can count himself amongst superstar names such as Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller and Neymar in the continent’s top five divisions.
In fact, Vardy has more league goals than Ballon d’Or winners Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi this term, and is just three behind much-heralded striker Lewandowski.
Vardy the Real deal?
According to reports in Spain, Vardy, who only gained the first of his four England caps in June this year, is being linked with a January move to perhaps play alongside the Portuguese icon at Real Madrid.
Whether or not the rumour comes off or is even true, the fact that Vardy has been linked is an incredible achievement and a testament to his current success.
Local Liverpool press, meanwhile, have also suggested that Jurgen Klopp could be in for the Sheffield-born star, along with Tottenham.
So, Vardy, who is four goals clear at the top of the Premier League scoring charts, has certainly shocked many and perhaps even himself this season, but it is fair to say that he is fast becoming the real deal and a force to be reckoned with.
You can catch him in his next match, which is an away trip to Hull City in the Capital One Cup, where he is 10/3 to net last (which is featured in our ‘Five truly tempting tips for Tuesday’s clashes’).
Related
Check out our Leicester City and Premier League archives
Coral’s top tip: Vardy is already four goals ahead of the rest of the rest in England’s top-flight, so back him at 8/1 to be top Premier League scorer at the end of the season
