Ahead of Saturday’s top-of-the-table showdown with Manchester United, the Leicester City striker has credited his teammates for helping him equal Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record of scoring in 10 consecutive Premier League games. Excerpts from an interview:
Out on his own
Vardy, who matched the former Manchester United striker’s mark in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Newcastle United, leads the charts with 13 goals so far this season, four ahead of his closest competitor, Everton’s Romelu Lukaku.
Teamwork key
The 28-year-old England forward has spearheaded Leicester’s unlikely rise to the top of the table, following their impressive winning run to avoid relegation last term, but he said it was a team effort. “It’s about hard work and the players that I’ve got around me getting me into positions where I’m able to put the ball in the back of the net. It’s as simple as that,” Vardy told Sky Sports.
Balanced approach
On Leicester’s unexpected rise to the Premier League summit, Vardy said it was a joy to play in that team. “In our first year we didn’t know what to expect, it was quicker and more physical,” he said. “Confidence is sky high but everyone is very grounded. Having experience of that really does help you and if we carry on this way then who knows what will happen?”
Another record?
Leicester face second-place Manchester United at home on Saturday with Vardy looking to close in on Jimmy Dunne’s record of scoring in 12 consecutive top-flight English games for Sheffield United in the 1931/32 season.
No targets
“I didn’t expect it” Vardy said of scoring in 10 consecutive games, “and I’ve never set myself any targets. “I just wanted to improve on last year and I’ve done that, I’ve more than doubled my tally from last year.”
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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
Analysis
Members of Syria's Alawite minority community face threat in their heartland after one of the deadliest days in country’s recent history. Read more
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
