Barnes may take Vardy’s place upon his Leicester return

Leicester City must keep Vardy on!

I do not think it beneficial to remove Vardy at this time. Unless his assists dry up and he continues to miss goals he should really get, he has got to keep playing.

Vardy draws defenders out of position, break through low presses with ease, and can beat any fullback in a foot race for the ball when needed. His attacking contribution minus his goals remain integral to Leicester.

However, the lack of goals is a concern, and Harvey Barnes would certainly be more likely to score goals, as he would still be confident after a return from injury. Barnes would also bring assists to the game, just like Vardy, so might be a better pairing with Iheanacho than Vardy in Rodgers’ eyes.

Replacing Vardy

This all being said, there will come a time when Leicester are forced to replace Vardy. Iheanacho has put one foot in the door with his stellar form, and could take the top goal-scorer title from the legend should his form continue.

It will not be difficult to replace him on the pitch, it is more difficult to replace him off the pitch, with his presence and personality being imposed upon the fibre of the Foxes family – how he acts and creates enjoyment is a part of what makes Leicester ‘Leicester’.

There are plenty of option though on the pitch, with Tammy Abraham and Odsonne Édouard as possible signings, and with George Hirst, Jake Wakeling, and Josh Eppiah proving themselves in the youth squad and on loan.

Let’s not disregard Vardy just yet, but Barnes has got to come back into the squad, regardless how he is fitted in.