Jamie Vardy scored the first goal of the Ruud van Nistelrooy era on Tuesday night
Jamie Vardy scored the first goal of the Ruud van Nistelrooy era on Tuesday night
Jamie Vardy has the DNA to keep defying his age, Ruud van Nistelrooy has said, with the Leicester City manager brushing off suggestions the striker might need resting.
Vardy played his first midweek game of the season on Tuesday night but is all set for a third outing in nine days on Sunday, when City host Brighton. The club captain, who turns 38 next month, showed his sharpness to score the first goal of the van Nistelrooy era inside two minutes of the victory over West Ham and the manager has seen nothing to suggest he’s in need of a break.
He’s backing him to keep on firing in the goals for years to come too. Van Nistelrooy hung up his boots aged 35 in 2012, but not only can the improved facilities help players go on for longer, but Vardy has the passion to keep at it too.
“The way he is training and performing there is no need to look at resting him at this moment,” van Nistelrooy said. “Of course, we will monitor him with the medical and strength and conditioning staff, like every player, closely. If fatigue or any small injuries occur we will make a decision but at this moment there is no need to do that.
“It’s his DNA (that keeps him going). The way he is physically but also as a person. He is someone who is happy and laughing a lot. It’s great to work with him. For the rest of the squad, the way he still goes about his profession – the young players can only look at that and learn.”
Vardy is out of contract next summer, having signed a one-year extension in June after a 20-goal campaign last term. With five goals to his name already this season, and with no suggestions he sees himself winding down, this may not be his farewell campaign at the King Power Stadium.
Asked if Vardy could play until he’s 40, van Nistelrooy said: “He can play as long as possible. There’s the improvement of facilities and medical staff and recovery, and the players know how to look after themselves.
“The ones in the business this long, they know how to stay fit and rested. Also strength and conditioning has improved, they can treat players of different ages. Football is evolving, every bit of it.
“These players have the mind of the best of the best. They still are in a constant process of how to improve. That’s why they last so long, they still have the hunger to perform. That combination shows why they can keep doing this.”
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