Home Football Mourinho praises Vardy’s counter-attack abilities

Mourinho praises Vardy’s counter-attack abilities

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‘He’s the best in the league at it’

Jose Mourinho has praised the Leicester striker Jamie Vardy for his excellent qualities in counter-attacking, praising him at the ‘best in the league’ at the style of play.

The Manchester United boss got back to winning ways with a dominant 4-1 win over the Foxes at the weekend.

Vardy was largely ineffective in the game at Old Trafford, and Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri withdrew the striker at half-time with their Champions League tie against FC Porto this week in the back of his mind.

Mourinho won his first Champions League title in 2004 with the Portuguese club and still holds strong links with them.

And the United boss warned his former club to be wary of the threat Vardy possesses on the break.

“They’re a very dangerous team in counter-attacks and Vardy is the best counter-attacking player in English football,” Mourinho told Portuguese media.

“FC Porto shouldn’t think Leicester are what they’ve done against Manchester. It’s nothing like that.

“Leicester are a good team and Porto will have to play very well to beat them.”

Mourinho also reserved praise for Leicester’s record signing, Islam Slimani, who he believes adds another dangerous dimension to Ranieri’s Premier League-winning side.

“Slimani, who seemed to be out of context in the team against Manchester, came to add what they didn’t have, which is the aerial ball power, jumping to deflect and Vardy running in deep, attacking the crosses they make from the wings.”

But the United manager made no secret of who he will be cheering on when the two meet on Tuesday evening.

“I like Claudio Ranieri, I have great respect for Leicester, but I’m more of a Portista.”

 

By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10

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