Leicester City boss Steve Cooper is aware of the importance of Jamie Vardy to the club’s bid to make a competitive return to the Premier League.
Vardy scored a trademark goal against Tottenham in Monday night’s 1-1 draw to cancel out Pedro Porro’s opener.
The 37-year-old was also captured goading the Spurs support – pointing to the Premier League badge and gesturing with one finger to signify how many Premier League titles he had won compared to the visitors – to complete a typically energetic all-round display.
The vastly experienced former England international may have expected a rotational role this season but Cooper knows how important he could be.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to Fulham, he said: “Jamie doesn’t need any special words from me on capabilities and the impact he can have and the talent he has around the box.
“Keeping him fresh for games is going to be important. He is an older player now with his age; as they get older they understand their bodies well and know what is needed to prepare for games.
“It is important we work with him collaboratively to get him ready for games. He really enjoys the games and what it takes to get ready for games and we have to respect that.
“We are getting to know all the players now and what they require to be ready for games. That is just coaching and preparation.”
Nobody will remember:
-your salary
-how busy you were
-how many hours you workedPeople will remember: pic.twitter.com/0vr7oK4vTc
— Leicester City (@LCFC) August 21, 2024
Leicester have been reasonably active in the transfer market this summer with Oliver Skipp the latest arrival from Tottenham in a deal worth a reported £23.5million.
And the midfielder will go straight into the squad for the trip to Craven Cottage.
“He is a good young player, has games under his belt in the Premier League,” added Cooper. “We have nice variety and a balance of midfield options.
“The Premier League demands everything of you and different things in one game. It’s important to have the right strength and depth from game to game, and I believe Skippy offers a calming influence in midfield and we look forward to introducing him into the system.”
Skipp may not be the last new signing at Leicester with Cooper saying: “We are looking to add more players as well, hopefully sooner rather than later. When you bring them in you want them to compete for places and we have a great training ethic here.”
