Foxes of Leicester
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International Watch: Vardy and Maguire

By Thomas Bradley Alderman

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 14: Harry Maguire of England looks on during the International Friendly match between England and Brazil at Wembley Stadium on November 14, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 14: Harry Maguire of England looks on during the International Friendly match between England and Brazil at Wembley Stadium on November 14, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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The Foxes duo have had 10 days away from Leicester City on international duty but how did the duo fare.

Vardy Versus Germany:

Jamie Vardy was lively, almost frantic in his eagerness to impress and earn his place in 2018’s World Cup  squad. In the second minute he was played in beautifully down the left channel – almost assisting Tammy Abraham. Showing unselfishness along with goal-scoring prowess, a lesser mentioned Vardy attribute.

Chances were seemingly few and far between, midfielders Jake Livermore, Ruben Loftus-Cheek seemed to look more for the wide players rather than look for Vardy’s pace.

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His teammates seemed to choose other options, regularly going for fellow striker Tammy Abraham’s height or decided to take a shot of their own.

Although when Loftus-Cheek did play Vardy in with a ball over the top reminiscent of Drinkwater-to-Vardy in 2015/16, the forward beat the offside trap and almost scored with an improvised volley-lob. It drifted short and was cleared.

Leicester’s target man could  be utilised more effectively by England. Not necessarily as a solo striker. This would lead to a more well rounded level of play against top class opponents.

Rating 7 – with another shot on target or a goal this could have been a comfortable 8.

Maguire Versus Germany:

Harry Maguire seemed in control and was comfortable bringing the ball out of defence. He was assured in the air  and his tackling was convincing yet measured. Leading by example is certainly part and parcel of Maguire’s game.

There was one incident early on when he played a short back-pass which was almost capitalised on by the German attack. After this happened, the Leicester man grew into the game.

Early on Manchester City’s Leroy Sane wasn’t closed down quickly enough by Maguire and nearly scored. His shot smashed against goalkeeper Jordan Pickford’s crossbar.

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Maguire occasionally showed maturity by not rushing into challenges. He was aware of the talents in front of him and he knew that anyone of them could  knock it around him.

Germany were well in charge of the ball and created many more chances in the first half. The 24-year-old stepped up well however his teammates did not. This allowed Timo Werner to break, clearing the offside trap.

His passes from the back were accurate and flowing although the passes that did go astray were far up the pitch and he was committed to get back into position.

Another leadership quality noted is Maguire’s determination to regain pace with a man if he allows them to get past him – with or without the ball.

Rating 8 -Overall he was  dependable, assured and adventurous in an England team which lacked the cutting edge.