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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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Both of City’s stars featured in Tuesday’s friendly against Brazil.

Vardy

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 14: Renato Augusto of Brazil attempts to tackle Jamie Vardy of England during the international friendly match between England and Brazil at Wembley Stadium on November 14, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 14: Renato Augusto of Brazil attempts to tackle Jamie Vardy of England during the international friendly match between England and Brazil at Wembley Stadium on November 14, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

LCFC’s top scorer started up top with Manchester United player, Marcus Rashford. Vardy was electric from the start, running onto through balls while putting the Brazilian defenders under pressure.

With less time on the ball against an arguably superior opponent, England needed Vardy. His engine is always purring and his fitness is unquestionably world class.

This was really not his game, he’s more useful with long balls and by-line cut-backs.

Vardy reverted to coming deep to gain possession. He found himself with the ball on the right, skipped past his defender, yet couldn’t execute the difficult curved cross.

After continuously chasing down his foe for the remainder, Vardy was replaced by Abraham at 75 minutes.

Rating 7 – this would be a 6 if not for work ethic. There wasn’t much for Vardy to feed off, let alone carve himself.

Maguire

He  began as one of three centre-backs in a 3-5-2 formation. Although he remained comfortable-on-the-ball, his direct approach suffered. The six-foot-two defender simply needs more time and practice to master it.

Leicester’s latest defensive signing was up against Philippe Coutinho, as the right player of Brazil’s forward line. The Liverpool man is an extremely talented, tricky, and unpredictable forward. A sure test of Maguire’s pedigree!

During the relentless pressure in the first half, Maguire and company made it hard for them. Allowing their line to be breached once or twice – the most dangerous attack was offside.

Maguire was seen in control of his two partners in defence. As a natural leader he is constantly seen to be keeping them at the correct position while barking instructions to the midfield as well as his fellow defenders.

Next: Jamie Vardy looking forward to “getting better” under Claude Puel

Making successful interceptions or clearing coolly under pressure from Brazil’s exceptional front line. Again, Maguire was rarely beaten in the air.

Speaking after the match England manager, Gareth Southgate, had special mention for Maguire’s performance:

"“Harry has also been a real plus, he said. “He started a little anxiously but he grew in confidence and grew into the game.”"

Rating 7 – brave and accomplished. However, he needs to add successful forward passing to his game while dribbling out. Also work is needed on closing down opponents quicker and giving them less time to think.