Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers believes he is getting the best out of Jamie Vardy by limiting his defensive workload.
The 32-year-old marksman became the first Premier League player to reach double figures in terms of goals this season.
Vardy on form: Five key things to know…
- Vardy is the Premier League’s top scorer this season on 10 goals.
- He’s the first player to reach double figures.
- Vardy has been ever-present under Rodgers having played every game (11 matches) since the Northern Irishman took charge.
- Rodgers says Vardy no longer pressing the whole back four is getting the best out of him.
- Leicester face Arsenal at home on matchday 12 as they look to boost their top-four credentials.
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He was on the scoresheet in their 2-0 win at Crystal Palace a week after bagging three goals against Southampton as Leicester ran out emphatic 9-0 winners on the road.
Since establishing himself at the East Midlands-based club, Vardy has become known for more than his goalscoring.
A footballer in continuous motion, Vardy enjoys closing down opposition defenders, which is central to the Foxes’ pressing game under Rodgers.
The former Liverpool and Celtic manager, though, says the ex-England international now conserves more energy after he made slight adjustments to how Leicester operate under him.
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“Firstly from a defensive perspective he is not having to press the whole back four,” he told reporters.
“He is a guy who will run all day for you. Now it is a lot more synchronised in how we want him to press and he is doing short bursts of pressing, which he is very good at.
“He is so clever at setting traps to press so he is a real focal point in that aspect. Then he is playing more on the corridor and central. The other guys, it is their job to create opportunities for him and others. And then actually asking him to stay on the last line.
“He is a really top striker at this level and we have done some little adjustments which have helped him, but he is playing with a smile and really enjoying his football and that is always important as a player.”