Jamie Vardy's success in front of goal has been one of the surprise stories of the Premier League season and the lid has now been lifted on the secrets behind the Leicester striker's form.
The 29-year-old, who was playing non-League football as recently as 2012, has hit the back of the net 16 times in the top flight in this remarkable campaign. And Leicester's strength and conditioning coach Matt Reeves has offered a glimpse into the sort of work that Vardy does behind the scenes to maintain his peak physical condition.
Vardy's game relies heavily on explosive bursts of pace which, according to Reeves, means the England international requires more recovery time than other players.
'Jamie is an extremely explosive player who plays at full tilt every game,' Reeves explains during an interview with The Times.
'As a result the medical, sports science and coaching departments are in agreement that he requires slightly longer to recover after each game than his team-mates.
'Immediately after a game the focus is on a good meal, milk and protein supplement, while players are sent away with recovery pack including Cherry Active for its anti-oxidant properties and Leucine tablets to support muscle repair.
'When back in at the club's training ground, he utilises a combination of modalities, using common methods such as spin bikes, foam roller release, contrast bathing and massage, while also making the most of Leicester City's new Cryo Chamber unit in which players are exposed to temperatures of -135C.'
It certainly seems to be having the desired affect for Vardy, who earlier this season scored in 11 consecutive Premier League games to break a record set by Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2003.
Vardy underwent minor groin surgery at the start of the year but was quickly thrown back into action by Claudio Ranieri, missing just one fixture – the FA Cup draw with Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
Vardy ended a run of seven games without a goal on Saturday as Leicester returned to the top of the Premier League table with a convincing 3-0 win against in-form Stoke at the King Power Stadium.
The former Fleetwood Town striker looked back to his best following his injury as he burst through before rounding Jack Butland and finishing into an empty net.
