Jamie Vardy has the sharpness and clinical edge to keep on firing in the goals for Leicester City even as they head back up to the Premier League, his Premier League-winning team-mate Danny Simpson has said.
Vardy has signed a one-year deal at the King Power Stadium and is now preparing for a 13th season with the club. He will go into the new term on the back of an 18-goal campaign in the Championship in which he had one of the best strike rates in the division.
The last time City were in the Premier League, Vardy only scored three times in 37 games, and that may be a concern, particularly with the striker now two years older and turning 38 during the season. However, Simpson has faith that he still possesses the attributes required to score at the top level.
“From a sentimental point of view, I’d love to see him have one more good year with Leicester in the Premier League,” Simpson told SportsBoom.com. “Even coming off the bench for 20 minutes here or 30 minutes there, you know he’s only going to need one chance. He scores goals, that’s what he does.
“All he needs is once chance, he’s done that for the last 10 years. He’s still got that pedigree and he’s still got that pace you need in the Premier League.
“I know the Championship is a different level, but he’s still got that sharpness and focus, he scored 18 goals last season – and he didn’t even start all the games. He still gets those scrappy goals in the box.”
There are a couple of milestones Vardy can aim for when the new season begins. He’s 10 goals shy of a double century for the club, while 36 appearances across all competitions would take him to 500.
“I know he loves the club and he’s been a fantastic servant,” added Simpson. “He’s got Premier League experience, which is priceless, and he’s won the Premier League Golden Boot award, he’s won the title and won the FA Cup. He’s a Leicester legend, there’s no doubt about that.”
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