Leicester City Rises From The Relegation Zone: Jamie Vardy Is An Example Leader

Jamie Vardy led Leicester City to rise and get out of the Premier League relegation zone (Instagram/@lcfc).

JAKARTA - Leicester City veteran striker Jamie Vardy received high praise from manager Ruud van Nistelrooy after his goal paved the way for a crucial 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur headquarters on Sunday, January 26, 2025.

Vardy, 38, equalized after a break from close range and four minutes later Bilal El Khannouss scored a goal which turned out to be a winning goal.

Van Nistelrooy described the win -- after seven consecutive league defeats -- as a huge win as his team left the Premier League relegation zone to 17th.

"He (Vardy) is a leader who gave an example. He is still productive. The respect from the team and staff at this club for him is huge. He is also doing well," said Van Nistelrooy of Vardy who has scored seven goals and three assists in the league this season.

Leicester fell behind with Richarlison's header in the 33rd minute, but gave a great response to bounce back after halftime.

"The performance was extraordinary, the shape of the game and the way the players defended together. We were left behind, but the way the team reacted after trailing 0-1, they controlled the ball and started playing."

"In the first half they were calm and the way they came out of the dressing room was extraordinary. I think it made us win in the end."

"The efforts, dedication, blocks and sweeps, the tactics we made were very fun to watch. It made us gain three important points at home to the opponent," said Van Nistelrooy, who had just enjoyed a win in his second league as coach of The Foxes.

Vardy angered Spurs fans after scoring the equalizer by pointing the Premier League badge at his sleeves.

It hinted that Leicester had won more Premier League titles than Tottenham.

Vardy, the only player to survive the Leicester team that won the 2015/2016 Premier League, has always been a threat to Tottenham's defense.

Vardy's spirit will be crucial if Leicester wants to get out of trouble and he voices his beliefs.

"We are all united as a team. We work hard, stay united, and win big wins."

"I 100% support them all (to get out of trouble). We all know what's at stake."

"We want to play good football, but it's three points in the right direction and hopefully it's the start of a win," said Vardy.

"It's big, hopefully this stops the depravity we've had. We've played pretty good football for as long as possible half the game and it's let us down a bit."

"The players fought hard for 90 minutes and it is also an award for the manager for what he has done on the training ground," said Vardy again.

Meanwhile, Ruud van Nistelrooy could breathe a moment of relief and enjoy a little rest time after the second league win since he took over in December 2024.