Leicester City fans have had a season to remember and if they end the campaign as Premier League champions, it’ll be one of the greatest footballing feats in history. Claudio Raneiri has put together a formidable team and his side have torn teams apart at the top half of the league as well as at the bottom. Individuals within the squad have risen to new heights and none more so than recent England international, Jamie Vardy. You’d have to look hard to find a player more worthy of a nomination for Player of the Year and here’s why…
It’s been an incredible year for the striker. The Leicester City forward has netted a total of 19 goals in all competitions during 33 games so far this season – an achievement which places him second in the Premier League’s top goal-scorers list, behind Harry Kane and above Romelu Lukaku. He created headlines in November when he set a new record after scoring for 11 consecutive games, overtaking Ruud Van Nisterooy’s previous record. As well as scoring goals, every week it seems, he’s produced performances out of this world and picked up back-to-back Player of the Month awards in October and November as well as being named man of the match on two occasions in the league.
Understandably, it didn’t take long for Roy Hodgson to take notice and Jamie Vardy was called up to the national set-up in September for the European Qualifier against San Marino, which his side ran out as 6-0 winners. After clearly making an impression on the boss, Vardy made his England debut on the 5th September and followed it up with further appearances against Estonia and Lithuania. His first goal at international level is yet to arrive and it’s taken longer than expected, given we’re used to seeing him score almost every game. His international career is yet to really fire up but after this season, it would seem criminal to ignore Jamie Vardy for this summer’s European Championships in France and the striker shouldn’t bother booking a summer holiday just yet.
As well as impressive records and goal-scoring ability, it’s clear the forward has talent. We all love watching wonder goals and Vardy has had his fair share of those this season. His recent half volley against Liverpool in February was a 30-yard screamer and will undoubtedly be a nomination for goal of the season. His goals against Tottenham, West Brom and Arsenal can also be added to that list and there’s still a few games left to play this season for Vardy to produce another. However, there’s more to Vardy than goals and his stats in open play are equally as impressive.
Not only has the forward produced 19 goals in 31 Premier League appearances, he’s also assisted six goals in Leicester City’s league campaign. His partnership with Riyad Mahrez has been a revelation and between the two, they’ve notched up almost 75% of Leicester’s goals in the league.  Vardy averages 3 shots per game – an impressive number, giving himself plenty of opportunities to score. He also averages a key pass every game and this has no doubt contributed to his assists figure. A 65% pass success rate in the final third is also impressive and highlights just how well Ranieri’s team gel in the danger zone. It’s no wonder he produces wonder goals too because he averages a shot on target from outside the box in every two games – and the majority go in!
There are plenty of strong contenders for the Player of the Year award. Harry Kane and Romelu Lukaku, who sit either side of Vardy in the Premier League’s top goal scorer list, are definitely tough opponents. Many would be quick to usher Vardy’s team-mate’s name, Riyad Mahrez too and there’s surely a place for Anthony Martial on the list. Whatever happens at the end of the season; whether Leicester City win the Premier League, whether Jamie Vardy is named Player of the Year or whether Roy Hodgson selects him as part of his England squad for the European Championships; the striker’s written his own history this season and there’s sure to be plenty more to come from the talented forward.
