Enzo Maresca is taking Chelsea to visit Leicester City on Saturday. At his former club, Jamie Vardy is still around. In Maresca's view, the 37-year-old veteran is the best English striker of his generation. "He can be injured for a week, not train, but then still be the one to score the goals on Saturday or Sunday."
Embed from Getty Images
Enzo Maresca, now the manager of Chelsea, has not hesitated to heap praise on Jamie Vardy, a player he holds in the highest regard.
Maresca, who led Leicester City back to the Premier League last season, credited much of the club's success to the 37-year-old striker's invaluable contributions. Vardy found the net 18 times in 35 league matches, a remarkable feat for a player in the twilight of his career. "He has mastered almost everything making runs behind the defense, finishing but his greatest quality is his open mind," said Maresca, reflecting on Vardy's adaptability and hunger to improve even after years at the top.
Maresca highlighted a significant evolution in Vardy’s playing style during the promotion campaign. "Last season, he changed his style of play. He dropped deeper to play between the lines, showing a different dimension to his game," he explained. For a forward primarily known for his pace and clinical finishing, this shift demonstrated his willingness to adapt and continue contributing to the team in new ways. "He’s still eager to learn," Maresca added, emphasizing Vardy’s drive to refine his skills and remain effective in a constantly evolving game.
One quality, however, remains unchanged Vardy's extraordinary knack for scoring goals, which Maresca believes sets him apart. "He can be injured for a week, not train, and then still be the one to score on Saturday or Sunday," he said. This innate ability to deliver in front of goal, regardless of circumstances, is what Maresca sees as Vardy’s defining trait. Scoring is one of the most difficult attributes to find in a footballer, and Vardy has consistently shown that he possesses it in abundance.
Vardy’s performances this season have only further solidified Maresca’s high opinion of him. The striker has started every Premier League match for Leicester City, demonstrating not only his enduring quality but also his importance to the team. For Maresca, this consistency and impact place Vardy among the elite. "Vardy is fantastic, and people don’t realize how good he is. England has been fortunate to have forwards like Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney, and many others, but if you ask me, Vardy is the best," Maresca boldly declared, placing him above some of the most iconic English strikers of the modern era.
The Italian manager's admiration for Vardy extends beyond mere statistics. It is about the intangible qualities that the striker brings to the pitch his leadership, work ethic, and the ability to inspire his teammates. Over the years, Vardy has become synonymous with Leicester City’s success, a player whose journey from non-league football to Premier League stardom is nothing short of extraordinary. His relentless energy and passion for the game have made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for defenders.
As Chelsea prepare to face Leicester City on Saturday, Maresca will be tasked with stopping the player he so deeply admires. The match, scheduled for 1:30 PM, promises to be a compelling encounter, with Chelsea seeking to bounce back from a mixed run of form and Leicester aiming to climb higher in the Premier League standings. While Maresca's respect for Vardy is evident, his priority will undoubtedly be to ensure that the veteran forward does not add to his goal tally this weekend.
Maresca’s remarks about Vardy also highlight a broader discussion about the striker's legacy in English football. Often overshadowed by the likes of Kane and Rooney, Vardy’s achievements are sometimes underappreciated. Yet his story, work ethic, and ability to deliver in crucial moments make him one of the most remarkable players of his generation. Whether it’s his iconic 2015-16 season, when Leicester defied all odds to win the Premier League, or his continued impact as he approaches 40, Vardy has consistently proven doubters wrong.
Saturday’s clash will be a test not only for Chelsea’s defense but also for Vardy, as he looks to reaffirm his status as one of the league's most effective strikers. For Maresca, the challenge lies in neutralizing a player whose qualities he knows all too well. Regardless of the outcome, the match will serve as another chapter in the fascinating story of Jamie Vardy an extraordinary talent who, in Maresca's eyes, is the best English striker of his generation.
Meta Description: Enzo Maresca calls Jamie Vardy the best English striker of his generation ahead of Chelsea's match against Leicester City. A closer look at Vardy's legacy and impact.
Updated: 11:04, 23 Nov 2024
