Sporting Lisbon manager Jorge Jesus clearly thinks incredibly highly of his players – even when they’re expected to leave his side and join his rivals. With Jamie Vardy poised to join Arsenal, Leicester City are reportedly looking at Sporting Lisbon striker Islam Slimani to replace him. Rather than tell the media that he hopes Slimani doesn’t leave, he tipped his star striker to exceed what Vardy did for the Foxes this past year.
According to Sun Sport via GianlucaDiMarzio.com, Jorge Jesus said that Slimani would be more than capable of proving the doubters wrong and would play well in the Premier League. Not only that, said Slimani could double the number of goals Jamie Vardy could score if managed correctly.
“Vardy was this year’s revelation,” he said. People say that Slimani wouldn’t be able to play for Leicester but I disagree.
“In England if he is guided by a manager who knows a lot about football, he can score double the goals Vardy does.”
Much like Jamie Vardy, Slimani finished second in his league’s Golden Boot race this past season. Slimani scored 27 goals in 33 Primeira Liga appearances – trailing only Benfica ace Jonas for the title, and 31 total goals in 44 overall appearances.
Arsenal are expected to sign Vardy over the weekend in a £20 million move.
Follow Jonathan Machlin on Twitter @jtmlovessports
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