3 Transfer Targets To Replace Jamie Vardy At Leicester City (Matija Frigan, Lucas Stassin, Eliezer Mayenda) – Data Analysis

For Leicester City, relegation from the Premier League has been a case of “when” and not “if” for much of this season.

Despite a positive campaign in the Championship last time out, in which they secured another second-tier title, they have struggled to replicate that form on their return to the top flight and have resembled a rudderless ship destined for the rocks for many months now.

With that in mind, the mathematical confirmation of their drop back down the divisions at the weekend, following a 1-0 defeat to champions-elect Liverpool, came as no surprise to anyone.

What stood out was that it was their ninth consecutive home game in which they had failed to score (a new Premier League record), and that sums up their season in many ways.

Simply put, Leicester have become too reliant on veteran former England striker and club talisman Jamie Vardy, with so much of their game built around his strengths on the field.

The fact that the 38-year-old has only netted seven times to date this time around means that the club have been found wanting in front of goal as a result.

The time is near for Ruud van Nistelrooy to sign another striker, if they want to make their stay in the Championship as brief as possible.

With that in mind, this data analysis will examine what Vardy offers Leicester in terms of their tactics, as well as why they will miss him if he does move on this summer.

The scout report will also highlight three potential replacements that the club could target as part of their much-needed rebuild.

Jamie Vardy Role At Leicester City

In many ways, Jamie Vardy is part of a dying breed of strikers.

Whilst so much of the modern game revolves around having players at the top of the field who can bring others into play, Vardy is much more inclined to sit on the shoulder of the opposing defensive line and to make rapid runs in behind as soon as his teammates gain possession.

Jamie Vardy Statistics At Leicester City 2024/2025

This, and Leicester City’s style of play being based around exploiting that natural pace, is the reason that he ranks so highly in percentile terms for aerial duels won.

What is especially striking is that he doesn’t actually compete in as many battles as other Tier 1 and 2 strikers do, and that further cements the fact that it is one of his key strengths.