Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has hailed Jamie Vardy as the best striker England has ever produced, ahead of his team’s clash against Leicester.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Maresca boldly placed Vardy above the likes of Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane.
Maresca, who managed Leicester during their immediate return to the Premier League last season, did not shy away from expressing admiration for the 37-year-old forward.
Maresca Says Vardy is England’s Best Ever Striker
“Vardy is fantastic, and people don’t realise how good he is,” Maresca said. “I know that England has been quite lucky with strikers, like Kane, Rooney, and many others, but if you ask me, he has been the best one.”
The Italian highlighted Vardy’s versatility, describing him as a player capable of running in behind defences, finishing clinically, and learning new roles despite his age.
“He can do many things, like run in behind and finish, but the best thing for me is his open mind. Last year, he changed the way he was playing by dropping in, linking the play, and he still wants to learn.
“But, of course, he still has the one thing that is most difficult to find, which is to score goals. He can go a week without training and play on the Saturday or Sunday, and he’s the one who scores.”
"If you ask me, he was the best one" 1️⃣
Enzo Maresca rates Jamie Vardy higher than Harry Kane & Wayne Rooney ⬆️ pic.twitter.com/TDxn6cdXNU
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 23, 2024
Maresca Looking Forward To Leicester Reunion
Reflecting on the time Maresca worked with Vardy, the Chelsea boss spoke warmly about the bond he shared with the player and the entire Leicester squad.
“I have no idea how they are going to receive me, but I know how I am going to be with them,” Maresca said. “I will always be thankful to the club, the players, and the fans because it was a fantastic season.”
Maresca fondly recalled the celebrations following Leicester’s Championship title win, where players gathered at his home.
“When I was a player, I was lucky to win things, but I never thought to go to the manager’s house,” he said. “I feel very lucky, and it shows the connection between the players and the staff.”
“It showed how close the connection with the players was. That they could go to parties in a different place, yet they all arrived at my home.
“It was a fantastic connection, and I will always be thankful to them. It was hard to leave for sure because there was a good connection in terms of human beings.”
"The owner, his family…they're fantastic people. Fantastic human beings."
Enzo Maresca on his journey at Leicester City 💙 pic.twitter.com/n45xgYqZYf
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 21, 2024
