Rodgers hails ‘unfortunate’ Vardy; muses on Leicester striker’s successor

Manager Brendan Rodgers in unconcerned with Jamie Vardy’s current goal drought and has praised the striker’s contribution to Leicester’s success.

Vardy, 34, has bagged 12 Premier League goals this term and 14 in all competitions. The former non-league star has scored 144 goals from 342 outings in all competitions for the Foxes. But he has failed to register for nine games and has notched just one goal in his last 17 appearances. Rodgers is certain the goals will return and was full of admiration for what the former England man brings to the party.

“The team has still been winning. What’s most important for Jamie is you have to continue to work, make runs and sometimes you just need that bit of luck,” he said. “He has created a number of opportunities for us. We know his threat and he can score any time.”

And the Northern Irishman feels Vardy could have scored many more if luck had been on his side.

“He has just been very unfortunate, between keepers making saves and blocks on the line and some chances that, maybe, he would have put away,” he added. “He is always going to be there. He is such a threat, his sharpness and speed, he is such an important player for us.”

Heir to Vardy throne steps up

Vardy is now in the twilight of his career in the East Midlands. He is not quite at pensionable age just yet but plans are in place for who might replace him up front.

Kelechi Iheanacho moved to Leicester from Manchester City in the summer of 2017. It took him time to show his true colours but he is now starting to shine.

Nine goals in his last 10 games have helped to keep the 2015-16 champions in the top four. Rodgers has been impressed with the Nigeria international.

West Ham v Leicester City Match Preview, April 11, 2021

West Ham v Leicester City Match Preview, April 11, 2021

A look ahead to the Premier League game between West Ham and Leicester City, including stats on form, possession, shots, cards, corners, top scorers and previous meetings.

However, the Northern Irish tactician is unsure if he can lead the line on his own.

“We think he is going to be a very important striker for us in the future but you need more than one,” he continued. “He has shown, in the couple of years since I’ve been here, he has developed and is improving and is going to be a very important part of the squad.

Kelechi Iheanacho TEAMtalk

“There’s no doubt when Jamie is finished and moved on we would have to have another one, maybe two.

“Any top club wants more than one (striker). We have seen Kelechi’s development and seen his confidence grow and he looks a real threat. Being so young we know there is a lot more to come.”

READ MORE: Kelechi Iheanacho explains thinking as star pens huge new Leicester deal