The veteran striker is now starring in Serie A for Cremonese.
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Discussing also Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer, Maresca said: "Cole, for sure, is one of (the best players he's coached) them.
“I really think that one of the best strikers in England has been Jamie Vardy. And I think Jamie is a top player and also a top guy. He has a big heart. So, for sure, Jamie is one of them.”
Meanwhile, Maresca admits goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen could be allowed to leave on-loan in January.
“For sure, we are happy with Filip,” Maresca said. “But, at the same time, they all want to play. And if they don’t play, they are not happy. So we’ll see what happens in January.”