Leicester City is the perfect fit for James Maddison, according to the playmaker

James Maddison has revealed why he wanted to come to Leicester City and how he was assured of his role by Claude Puel. Everything worked out so well, that it is correct to expect a senior England call-up this month.

Some eyebrows raised when James Maddison became the most expensive Championship export in a deal for £24m with Leicester City. Yet, for those in the know, familiar with the midfielder’s work or with access to YouTube – it was plainly visible that Maddison held a key to unlock Leicester City’s creativity chest, with Riyad Mahrez’s departure.

Many are called to the Premier League from lesser divisions, however, few make the step up in the stylish fashion or with the productivity output of the former Norwich player. In addition, the highest level is now indisputably interested in Leicester City’s playmaker, as England manager Gareth Southgate attended the Newcastle United game to assess the prospect.

WhoScored reveals Maddison’s facilitator capacity in statistics from Leicester City’s away win at St James’ Park.

Why chose Leicester City?

Firstly, why not? Premiership champions two years ago; quarter-finalists in the Champions League the following season; European credentials hopefully implemented after purchasing quality players, like the 21-year-old .

Speaking to the Sun, Maddison explains his reasons for joining the East Midlands club:

"“The year they won the Premier League — how do you explain that? We have to be realistic but we have a good side which should challenge.“When I spoke to Claude Puel and Jon Rudkin, the director of football, I knew Leicester was right for me. Claude told me how I fitted in to his plan. It just felt right.“No disrespect to Southampton but they sold big players in the past. I arrived here and Kasper Schmeichel, Harry Maguire, Jamie Vardy were all signing new contracts.“When those kind of players want to be part of the club, you know something exciting is happening.“The manager has a record of building exciting young teams. Ben Chilwell, Wilfred Ndidi and myself are all 21, and Demarai Gray is 22.“Coming from Coventry, location was an additional detail. Mum and dad were happy as they don’t have to travel three hours to Norwich every other week! The closer to home, the easier it is to see them.”– James Maddison"

John Rudkin constantly endures criticism from the Blue Army – on many occasions or scenarios, often justifiably – although recently, almost every move the club makes is astute and businesslike.

There will always be some errors, poor transfers or debacles – arguably like N’golo Kante’s low release fee which hasn’t been repeated. In this, and many other in-house instances in recent times, Rudkin deserves some credit.

Not to mention the often maligned Claude Puel, who informed Maddison of his plan for the No.10. Along with the Frenchman’s modern system befitting the Young Lions man.

World-class

Maddison’s stats versus Newcastle are of an international standard: 52 passes (87% completed), five key passes and one assist. What these numbers fail to convey is the work rate and influence: the starlet encourages and evokes better and high standards from his teammates. Consequently repaying his now low seeming transfer fee and helping attract more competent talent in future.

The Three Lions will come calling on Thursday, it would be inexplicable of Southgate to deny the promotion before Christmas. England play in November too.

World Cup semi-finalist Maguire believes:

"“He’s definitely good enough to play for England.“If he keeps improving he’ll get the call and he will take the challenge on.”– Via BBC Sport"

Maddison deserves to be promoted following his dazzling displays for Leicester City. If Claude Puel is to be successful at the King Power Stadium, the playmaker will be his teams nucleus.

It was miraculous that the Foxes won the league in 2015/16, but with Maddison, Maguire et al on board, it is easy to envisage an influx of similar promising, and proven talent in upcoming transfer windows; as well as attainable silverware!