Alan Pardew says Jamie Vardy not Leicester's only threat to Palace
Thursday 22 October 2015 15:29, UK
Alan Pardew says Crystal Palace cannot afford to focus solely on the threat of Leicester's in-form striker Jamie Vardy.
Vardy has already scored nine goals in nine games this season and is the Premier League's top goalscorer, three ahead of his nearest rivals.
The 28-year-old, who began his career at non-league Stocksbridge Park Steels, has played a key role for Claudio Ranieri's side this term.
However, Palace boss Pardew says his side will not be underestimating the rest of Leicester's attacking talent when the clubs meet at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
"They have various offensive options, all of which are problematic," he said. "Nathan Dyer came off the bench, who I think's a terrific player, and changed the game a little bit against Southampton last weekend.
"They've got good offensive players, but Vardy is the sharpest striker in the division at the moment. Coming from where he's come from, the route to where he finds himself now is astonishing; it's a credit to the boy. He's done really well."
Leicester have started the season in impressive form and are currently fifth in the Premier League, just five points behind league leaders Manchester City.
Ranieri's side have already rescued seven points from losing positions and Pardew says he has been impressed with the Italian's work since his arrival at Leicester in July.
"We're playing against a Leicester side who have been the surprise package," said Pardew. "I think with our signing of Yohan Cabaye, people looked at us and perhaps thought we might have a good season, but I don't think everybody could see Leicester's season coming. They've done tremendously well.
"I'm a big fan of the manager, who carries himself really well and he's had big teams so he knows how to keep a winning run going and they're in a great zone at the moment. It's a really tough game, and a crucial game, in terms of us and Leicester because it will propel one above the other."
