Schlupp: Vardy Sets The Tone

- The pair scored the goals in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Norwich City at Carrow Road 

- Schlupp says Vardy’s England call is deserved 

- The Academy graduate feels sorry for defenders that have to face Vardy 

Jeffrey Schlupp says Jamie Vardy’s all action approach sets the tone for the entire Leicester City team after the pair scored in yet another Barclays Premier League victory on Saturday. 

The Foxes overcame Norwich City 2-1 at Carrow Road, with Schlupp netting City’s second after Vardy’s pace had earlier seen him win and convert a penalty to give Leicester a deserved lead. 

That was Vardy’s seventh goal in just eight Premier League games this term – form that sees him once again in Roy Hodgson’s England squad for upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania. 

And for those defences that are unfortunate enough to face the non-stop running of Vardy with England during the international break, Schlupp has nothing but sympathy. 

“I don’t think there are any defenders out there that would like to play against him,” he told Foxes Player HD. “You see what he does week in, week out for the team and it’s finally showing with his goal scoring record and his England call ups that he’s getting and deserves. 

“I’m happy to see him play so well. He’s come in and he’s in his fourth year now. He had a difficult start but towards the end of last season and in the Championship when we went up, you saw his qualities and I think we play to his strengths. 

“When he plays well and is scoring for us, we’re a real force. Hopefully he can keep scoring and we can keep firing up that table.” 

Vardy’s continual pressing of defenders, willingness to chase lost causes and lightning pace to get in behind have seen him become the current Premier League top scorer. 

His aggression and commitment to the Leicester City cause stirs up a huge noise in the stands on matchdays and Schlupp admits that his defend-from-the-front approach is a source of inspiration for the team too. 

“He gets us all firing really,” said Schlupp. “It starts from the front, the defending and the way he closes down defenders, he’s like a pest. 

“It really sets the tone for everyone else as well because we want to help him out. He gives his all for the team and we all want to do it behind him as well. 

“It’s working well at the minute and we’re playing to his strengths with the counter attacks. Like you saw for the penalty, he gets himself there. It’s a nightmare for the defenders and obviously it’s paying off.”