Vardy ‘won’t ever lose’ timing, says Van Nistelrooy… as striker carries on two years longer than boss

New Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy wants Jamie Vardy to score in 12 games in a row after the Foxes striker netted the scoring after two minutes of his first match in charge.

Van Nistelrooy’s side will attempt to build on their 3-1 win at home to West Ham on Tuesday when Brighton & Hove Albion are their visitors in the Dutchman’s second match in charge on Sunday (2pm GMT).

More than 12 years after joining the club, Vardy launched Van Nistelrooy’s reign in style with his fifth goal of the season, surging on to Bilal El Khannouss’s pass and clinically slotting in to show he has lost none of his characteristic sharpness with his 38th birthday approaching.

Out for training 💨 pic.twitter.com/CvvefEWUNn

— Leicester City (@LCFC) December 6, 2024

“I was just turning 36 in July 2012, when I played my last game,” said Van Nistelrooy. “It’s a process that’s slow from the start to the end of your career – you’re constantly evolving.

“You don’t have to one day think about it; it goes through the years. Jamie is adapting with the game intelligence he has and knowing where he needs to be. You saw it with the timing of his run. He won’t lose that, he won’t ever lose that.”

On Brighton’s season so far ⏳

“It’s clear how they are performing, where they are in the league. They’ve been getting some excellent results against some top clubs. It’s a fantastic performance from the club, the squad and the manager.” pic.twitter.com/QHOtn9vcub

— Leicester City (@LCFC) December 6, 2024

Vardy record: Van Nistelrooy wants more

A Premier League Golden Boot winner with Manchester United in 2002/03, Van Nistelrooy also held the record for goals in consecutive Premier League games until Vardy broke his record during Leicester’s 2015/16 title-winning season.

Much was made of the feat after Leicester’s first win in seven matches in all competitions, and Van Nistelrooy was happy to revisit the topic.

“I said he has to break the record again – then I’ll be able to forgive him,” said the 48-year-old, who took charge of United for four games on an interim basis in November.

On Patson Daka 👌

“I think you saw his quality on Tuesday in the pressing of the ball, the way he presses with intensity, and the goal he scored. I was pleased to see his performance, he did really well.” pic.twitter.com/JJh1Z8DIWO

— Leicester City (@LCFC) December 6, 2024

Leicester vs Brighton: Foxes’ focus defence

In the meantime, the statistic Van Nistelrooy appears to have been most concerned by is the Hammers’ tally of 31 attempts against them at King Power Stadium.

West Ham also had 10 of the 16 attempts on target between the teams and ensured Leicester have kept a solitary clean sheet in the league this season courtesy of Niclas Fullkrug’s 93rd-minute consolation.

On opportunities for players 🔵

“The squad is key; I mentioned in the team meeting today the Premier League is so intense that we need all the players and everyone involved and ready to help. I like that about this squad.” pic.twitter.com/jRRKVIGl3P

— Leicester City (@LCFC) December 6, 2024

“We all saw how the game went,” said the ex-PSV manager. “The number of attempts stood out for West Ham. We have to analyse and be in a better shape and keep players out of the box. That’s been the work this week.”

Leicester are four points above the relegation zone in 16th, while Brighton remained 10 points above them in fifth following their first defeat in four games on Thursday, losing 3-1 at Fulham.