Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca Hails Jamie Vardy as England’s Best Striker of His Generation

Chelsea‘s manager, Enzo Maresca, has sparked discussion in the football world by declaring Jamie Vardy as the best English striker of his generation. The Italian manager placed Vardy above the likes of Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney in a recent statement ahead of Chelsea’s encounter with Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

Vardy, who at 37 remains active and influential for Leicester City, has started all ten of the club’s Premier League matches this season, scoring four goals. Maresca, reflecting on Vardy’s career, said, «Vardy is fantastic and people don’t realise how good he is.» He further explained that although England has had remarkable strikers like Kane and Rooney, he considers Vardy the best. «He can do many things, like run in behind and finish, but the best thing for me is his open mind,» praised Maresca.

Enzo Maresca, prior to managing Chelsea, was integral to Leicester City’s success, helping them secure the Championship title. Reflecting on his time there, he expressed uncertainty about how he will be received by Leicester fans, but remains «thankful to the club, the players, and the fans, because it was a fantastic season.» The 44-year-old manager cherishes the camaraderie he shared with the players, a sentiment solidified when they celebrated their promotion at his home.

Jamie Vardy’s career trajectory is a notable one. Starting in non-league football after being released by his boyhood club, Sheffield Wednesday, Vardy climbed the ranks through clubs like Stocksbridge Park Steels, Halifax Town, and Fleetwood Town before making his mark in the Premier League with Leicester City. His crowning achievement was leading Leicester to an unprecedented Premier League title in 2016, scoring in 11 consecutive matches to break a record previously held by Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Comparatively, Harry Kane’s career has seen him become a prolific scorer, becoming the Premier League’s second-top scorer behind Alan Shearer and achieving record-breaking numbers with Bayern Munich and the English national team. Wayne Rooney, distinguished for his versatility, enjoyed a trophy-laden career with Manchester United, contributing significantly in various attacking roles.

Despite the vast achievements of Kane and Rooney, Maresca emphasizes Vardy’s unique qualities, noting his ability to adapt his playing style while continuing to be a goal threat well into his thirties. «He can be out for one week, without training, and play on the Saturday or Sunday and he’s the one who scores,» remarked Maresca, highlighting Vardy’s impactful presence on the pitch.