God. I've spent more hours than I care to admit arguing about this exact topic down my local last weekend. Three pints in and my mate Dave (Leicester fan, obviously) wouldn't shut up about Vardy being the greatest pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history.

With Vardy confirming he's leaving Leicester at the end of this season, Shearer's gone and called him "the best £1million spent ever." Strong words from a bloke who cost Newcastle £15 million back in '96 (which felt like about £150 million in those days).

The Vardy Party - Worth Every Penny

199 goals since arriving from Fleetwood for a measly million quid in 2012. ONE GOAL away from hitting 200. Just let that sink in for a moment.

The bloke was literally playing non-league football, then won the Premier League and scored in 11 consecutive matches along the way. His journey makes me feel like I've accomplished absolutely nothing with my life.

But is he genuinely the best bargain ever? I'm not entirely convinced.

Leicester's Discount Shopping Spree

Whoever was handling Leicester's recruitment between 2011-2014 deserves a bloody knighthood. They somehow managed to sign Riyad Mahrez for just £450,000 two years after Vardy arrived. FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND. Then flogged him to Man City for £60m. That's not just good business, that's daylight robbery.

And let's not forget they also nabbed Kasper Schmeichel for a million in 2011. Then there was Kanté for £5.6m, which isn't quite in teh same bargain basement category but still ridiculous considering what he brought to that title-winning side.

The £40k Defender That's Now Worth Millions

Wolves quietly pulled off one of the sneakiest deals when they signed Max Kilman from Maidenhead United for just £40,000 back in 2018. I remember reading about it and thinking "who?"

Now he's valued at what... £30-40 million? Madness.

Villa's John McGinn for under £3m from Hibs is another that springs to mind. Scottish players in the Premier League are always hit or miss (trust me, I've seen enough disasters over the years), but he's been absolutely class.

When Bargains Go Bad...

Not all cheap deals work out though. Remember when Southampton thought they'd signed George Weah's cousin? Still makes me laugh thinking about it.

Poor Graeme Souness. His face when he realized he'd been completely duped must've been priceless. Le Tissier described him as "running around like Bambi on ice" which might be the most perfect description of a footballer I've ever heard.

The guy played ONE GAME before being shipped off. His agent deserves some kind of award for pulling off that con.

So Who Gets The Crown?

Look, I spent £4K on a sofa last year that's already sagging in the middle, so I'm clearly not the best judge of value. But if I'm putting my money where my mouth is...

Seamus Coleman for £60,000 from Sligo Rovers has to be right up there. The man's been at Everton since 2009 adn captained them through thick and thin (mostly thin if we're honest).

Andy Robertson for £8m doesn't seem like a steal on paper, but considering what he's achieved at Liverpool, it's highway robbery. From Queen's Park to Champions League winner is the stuff of dreams.

But Vardy? The Hollywood script. The goals. The title. The attitude. The Red Bull before matches. The way he winds up opposition fans.

Maybe Shearer's right after all.

What do you reckon?

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I wear compression gear when playing football?

Compression gear like shorts, leggings and tops may be beneficial for players of football. These items can help improve blood circulation, reduce muscular fatigue and speed up recovery following a match or training. It is believed that the material's tight fit also helps to stabilize muscles. Compression gear can be worn by anyone, but comfort is the most important factor to consider when choosing such equipment.

What is the best type of goalkeeper glove for grip and protection?

Gloves with latex palms offer the best grip in a variety of playing conditions. The thickness and density of the latex can vary to balance grip and durability. Gloves equipped with finger protection, including spines or stiffening elements, can reduce the risk of hyperextension injury to the fingers. The gloves should fit comfortably and allow the goalkeepers perform at their peak.

What are the essential pieces of equipment needed for playing football?

Basic football equipment includes a shirt or jersey, shorts and socks, shinguards, and football boots or cleats. Goalkeepers usually require additional equipment such as specialized glove and sometimes padded clothes to protect them when diving and jumping. It's imperative for players to wear the correct attire to maintain safety and comply with the rules of the sport.

How can I make sure my football boots are the right size?

For a proper fit, your football boots should be snug, but not too tight. This will allow for movement, without allowing the foot to slide inside the boot. The space between your toes, and the front of your boot should be approximately a thumb-width to prevent the toes from being crammed in when running or kicking. The width of the foot is also important. Choose a boot with a wide or narrow fit. To ensure a perfect fit, always try boots on with football socks.

What should I consider before buying a football?

Consider the material and construction when choosing a ball. The size 5 is standard for all players over the age of 12 including adults. Younger players should use smaller sizes appropriate for their age. Leather is best for grassy surfaces, while synthetics are better for more rough surfaces. Additionally, thermal-bonded footballs offer better waterproofing and shape retention compared to stitched options. Durability, touch, and flight stability are also important characteristics to examine.

Statistics

• Data shows that thermo-bonded footballs, known for their consistent performance, are preferred by 65% of professional football clubs for matches.
• Globally, the demand for lightweight football cleats has risen by about 30% in the past decade, reflecting changes in player preferences and playing styles.
• Around 25% of youth football players have reported using equipment that is either outdated or not suited to their position on the field.
• Studies show that the proper use of shin guards can reduce the risk of injuries in football players by up to 70%.
• Goalkeeper gloves with advanced grip technology have been adopted by 85% of professional goalkeepers in top leagues around the world.

External Links

podiatrytoday.com

• Podiatry Today’s Guide on Soccer Cleats

uksoccershop.com

• UKSoccerShop

adidas.com

• Adidas Football Cleats

footy.com

• Footy.com

puma.com

• PUMA Football Gear

How To

How To Choose Football Equipment That Meets League Standards

It is important to check that all football equipment meets league regulations. You can find out what equipment is approved by your league's governing bodies. This includes the specifications for footwear, gloves, shoulder pads and helmets. Be aware of rule changes which may impact gear. This is particularly important for players at higher levels, where the regulations on equipment are stricter. It is important to comply with the rules and regulations. This will ensure your safety as well as avoid penalties or disqualification.