The importance of rekindling Jamie Vardy’s best form for Leicester

There’s a misconception that Vardy’s not getting involved in the game enough, he’s being left isolated and thus is struggling to get goals.

This is partially true, Vardy isn’t getting involved in the game, however, that’s never been the case, in fact, during his prolific stages of this season, Vardy would very rarely touch the ball outside of shooting opportunities.

This lack of involvement shouldn’t be alarming. What the Foxes need to rectify is how few shooting opportunities are available to Vardy and the quality of these chances.

Using the Everton game as an example, Leicester City attempted 35 crosses (of which only three were successful) into a box dominated by Michael Keane and Mason Holgate. Even if the Foxes completed a higher percentage of their crosses, Vardy was never going to score from one.

At a push, he would’ve made one of them half a chance, but given his 5’9” stature he’s never been considered dangerous in the air. Instead, the Foxes should be focusing on making runs to the byline and cutting it back.

Leicester City and Brendan Rodgers have practically designed a team fit for utilising the cutbacks. Two quick, offensive wide players – Harvey Barnes and Ayoze Perez – capable of making runs behind the oppositions fullbacks.

Two fullbacks – Ben Chilwell and James Justin – who are comfortable advancing, and both pose quality deliveries, albeit inconsistently.

A striker like the No.9 is sharp and smart enough to make runs between the centre backs, into spaces left by the defenders. A central midfielder in James Maddison, who should be making late runs into the box. Both are perfect fits for combining with a cutback cross.