{"remix_data":[],"remix_entry_point":"challenges","source_tags":["local"],"origin":"unknown","total_draw_time":0,"total_draw_actions":0,"layers_used":0,"brushes_used":0,"photos_added":0,"total_editor_actions":{},"tools_used":{},"is_sticker":false,"edited_since_last_sticker_save":false,"containsFTESticker":false}
“This is why you still need him in this team”- Former Leicester City star Matt Piper sends Jamie Vardy message to Ruud van Nistelrooy
Jamie Vardy was in excellent form once again as Leicester City faced Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.
Ruud van Nistelrooy knew his team would face a tough challenge when they hosted Brighton at the King Power Stadium over the weekend. Leicester had won 3-1 against West Ham United in the Dutchman’s first match in charge, but Brighton presented a much stronger test.
The Seagulls are competing at the top of the Premier League this season and started Sunday’s match in fifth place. As expected, Leicester found themselves under heavy pressure from the start and were 2-0 down by the 79th minute after goals from Tariq Lamptey and Yankuba Minteh.
However, Vardy pulled one back in the 86th minute, and substitute Bobby De Cordova-Reid added another late goal, ensuring the game ended in a 2-2 draw.
After the match, a remarkable statistic about Vardy came to light. Despite Leicester’s overall struggles this season, Vardy has already scored six goals in the Premier League for 2024/25. His form is all the more impressive considering he is now 37 years old and will turn 38 next month.
Former Leicester player Matt Piper, speaking to BBC Sport, explained to Van Nistelrooy why Vardy is still crucial for the team, adding that he hopes Vardy will break Michael Owen’s Premier League goal record. Piper said: “To be that unselfish and calm in those moments was huge. It was just deserved for Leicester.
“This is why you still need him in the team. If he’s fit, he’s the first name on the team sheet. He has the experience, he’s still fast, and he can still finish. I’m hoping he’ll break Michael Owen’s record [of 150 Premier League goals] this season. We call him the GOAT for a reason. We’ve been saying every season that he deserves a statue, and the more goals like this he scores, the closer that statue gets.”
Vardy’s goal against Brighton means he has scored in Leicester’s last two league matches, and he currently holds the record for the most consecutive Premier League games scored in, surpassing Van Nistelrooy’s previous record.
Van Nistelrooy, now Vardy’s manager, set a challenge for him after joining Leicester, joking that he would forgive Vardy for breaking his record if he could surpass it again. Van Nistelrooy said, “I told him he has to break the record again, and then I’ll forgive him!”
To surpass his own record, Vardy would need to score in Leicester’s next 10 Premier League games.
