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

Another faucet that could help Vardy is a strike partner, of which Kelechi Iheanacho is a perfect fit. For the majority of the season, Vardy played the solo-striker role expertly in the 4-1-4-1 formation, however, teams have began to understand just how the Foxes like to progress play inside this structure.

In recent games, Rodgers has started using an asymmetrical 4-1-2-1-2, operating with just one winger. This allows space for Iheanacho to play in close proximity to Vardy, which was particularly positive versus Everton – the Foxes played a tremendous second half with the two partnered up top.

I expect Rodgers to use this against Crystal Palace at the weekend, even if it’s later on in the second half, although I hope we start the game in this fashion.

Undeniably, Vardy will get more chances in the system. The ball is more reliably in the oppositions half, as there’s more players committed to the attack, so in the recycling possession process, the ball has to go forward more frequently to keep hold of the ball.

I think the largest boost to Vardy’s goal-scoring chances comes from the performances in midfield. There’s been a lack of creation recently, this is mainly due to static movement, but also can be attributed to the plethora of midfield setups Rodgers has tried in recent games.

By experimenting and rotating the team, Rodgers has subconsciously removed the fluidity in the midfield. There’s no longer that natural understanding of where players will be operating, as midfield partnerships are being created on a weekly basis, the Foxes need some consistency.

Hopefully, Rodgers will have noticed the excessive amount of unsuccessful crosses and tell the wingers to alter their focus. Deeper wing play combined with cutbacks should result in a better success rate, not only for Vardy, but for Leicester City as a whole.