‘Truly unique’: BBC pundit calls one Leicester City player an ‘anomaly’ for his achievements
Despite facing a relegation battle this season, Leicester City boast a wealth of talent.
Steve Cooper is the man tasked with ensuring Leicester City’s survival in the Premier League.
Though he recognizes the challenge ahead, Cooper is excited to work with a talented squad.
Among the standout players are Facundo Buonanotte, Abdul Fatawu, and Bilal El Khannouss, all of whom have shown flashes of their potential, hinting at the players they could become in the future.
Yet, even at 37, Jamie Vardy remains Leicester’s star player.
The Premier League and FA Cup winner continues to draw admiration for his performances, despite being in the later stages of his career.
Former footballer turned pundit Nedum Onuoha, who is the same age as Vardy, has a unique appreciation for Vardy’s continued excellence at the highest level.
Onuoha was a guest alongside Gary Cahill on BBC 5 Live’s Planet Premier League podcast, where he expressed his admiration for the Leicester legend.
He said: “Jamie Vardy is such an anomaly that he deserves immense credit.
Ten years ago, he was promoted from the Championship, and now he’s in the Premier League 100-goal club.
When you look at the way he’s risen through the leagues, there’s no logical reason for him to have reached this level.
The impact he’s had, his style of play, and his longevity are remarkable.
He hasn’t spent his whole career in the Premier League, not even close, yet we talk about him as if he has.”
Onuoha was also asked about the perception that Vardy’s lifestyle, including drinking Red Bull, suggested he wasn’t the most health-conscious player.
Onuoha responded: “He’s actually invested more in his health in the later stages of his career.
He’s a unique player, and credit to him for how well he’s done. He’s the only player I’ve faced who might tackle me more than I tackle him.”
Gary Cahill, echoing Onuoha’s views, added: “He’s definitely taking care of himself well now.
We finished our international careers around the same time, and even back then, I could see he was focused on his diet, training, and recovery. He’s reaping the rewards of that effort now.”
Leicester fans will undoubtedly hope that Vardy can continue playing at this level for years to come.
For now, they are relishing the opportunity to watch one of the Premier League’s most unique strikers while they still can.
