Van Nistelrooy: Veteran Vardy Sets the Standard at Leicester City
Ruud van Nistelrooy, Leicester City’s manager, praised veteran striker Jamie Vardy after his goal paved the way for a crucial 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday.
Vardy, 38, equalized early in the second half from close range, and just four minutes later, Bilal El Khannouss netted the winner.
Van Nistelrooy described the victory, which broke a run of seven consecutive league defeats, as monumental, lifting Leicester out of the relegation zone to 17th place in the Premier League standings.
Speaking about Vardy, who has scored seven goals and assisted three in the league this season, Van Nistelrooy said:
“He is a leader, a role model. He’s still delivering. He has immense respect from the team and the coaching staff here. He performs his role impeccably.”
Leicester had fallen behind in the 33rd minute to a Richarlison header, but the team’s response after the break was exceptional.
“The performance was excellent,” said Van Nistelrooy, achieving only his second league win as manager. “The way the players defended together was remarkable. We went behind, but the team’s response was positive as we regained possession and started creating opportunities.”
Van Nistelrooy continued:
“The team was calm in the first half, but the energy and approach coming out of the dressing room were incredible. That effort, commitment, and the tactical approach helped us secure a crucial win on the road.”
Vardy, the last remaining player from Leicester’s 2015-16 title-winning squad, was a constant threat to Tottenham’s defense in North London. His spirit and determination will be vital if Leicester are to escape their current struggles, and the veteran striker exuded confidence.
“We worked together as one team,” said Vardy. “We worked hard, stayed united, and got a big win. I back every single one of them (the squad) 100% to get out of this situation. We all know what’s ahead. We want to play good football, but these three points were a step in the right direction, and hopefully, this is the start of a positive run.”
