One thing was made clear by Leciester City’s 1-1 draw to Everton on Wednesday evening, they need to find a way to make up for Jamie Vardy’s absence.
The England international is set to miss time due to minor hernia surgery, a huge blow to the Foxes and their potential run at the title. Despite the draw, the Foxes still remain in the top four, currently sitting at third on the Premier League table.
If not for a mistake by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, the Foxes would have suffered their first loss in six games. Belgium international Youri Tielemans was the beneficiary of the mistake, his long-range effort evening the score after Everton’s opener.
Leicester’s Disappointing Alternative
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The Foxes looked a shadow of themselves without Jamie Vardy leading the line, instead, having to put their faith in former Newcastle striker Ayoze Pérez.
Other key players who have contributed to Leicester’s greatest ever start to a Premier League season still remain healthy. Midfielders James Maddison, Wilfred Ndidi and forward Harvey Barnes are still at their best.
The missing piece, however, is the pressing and scoring ability of Vardy. The striker’s renowned for his runs in behind defensive lines to create space and opportunities for players such as Maddison and Barnes. A system they thrive on.
Ayoze Pérez may have the technical ability to lead the line for the Foxes, it is the pace that marks the greatest difference between himself and Vardy.
Without these runs and pace in behind, many players are unable to utilise their long-range passing in order to expose holes in behind oppositions’ defensive lines.
Leicester haven’t lost any of their last seven #PL games. Their longest run without defeat since December 2019 💪#EVELEI pic.twitter.com/BQQygc6LfU
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 28, 2021
This very space was shown first hand in Everton’s first goal courtesy of James Rodriguez. Toffees forward Dominic Calvert Lewin made the press, creating space and time for Rodriguez to score off the rebound.
Apart from Southampton (Danny Ings) and Tottenham (Harry Kane), no other Premier League side relies so heavily on the production from their striker. Vardy this season alone has scored 11 of the Foxes 36 goals this term.
With Vardy set to miss more games in the next few weeks, Leicester will be hoping for more production from Barnes and Maddison in order to remain a potential Premier League title challenger.
Additionally, with Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool all set to fight for League honours, the Foxes need to continue picking up points.
If Vardy does not return before matchday 25, Leicester’s dream of remaining in title contention could be over.