Leicester City’s latest England player James Maddison vows to: ‘show everyone why I deserve to be here’
Following an almost flawless transition from Championship to Premier League, Leicester City’s James Maddison believes his promotion to senior international is just and will prove himself as world-class.
A whirlwind beginning to the season developed for Leicester City’s James Maddison. Norwich’s former player ascended to prominence at the King Power Stadium fast. Following displays consisting of a combination of: skill, vision, balance, touch, technique and finishing ability.
Leicester Mercury delineate Maddison as looking: “right at home amongst the elite of English football.”
The midfielder now commands club and country respect since England boss Gareth Southgate named him amongst his latest squad. Southgate is an excellent man manager and will look to help his latest starlet to flourish.
Claude Puel will do well to watch Maddison make his Three Lions debut as a No.10, whether or not from the bench, as opposed to wasting him – by fielding the central player out-wide on the left.
In their interview at England base St. George’s Park, the Telegraph imaginatively describe Maddison as possessing: “the self-confidence and infectious personality of an X-Factor champion and is in no mood to mess up his audition with England.”
The 21-year-old says of his role:
"“I’ve always believed in myself. One of my biggest attributes, if you speak to my coaches from when I was a young lad, is that I’ve always believed in my own ability and been a confident young man.“There has never been a point when I’ve questioned myself. If I’ve ever had a setback at a club I’ve always made it my mission to show why I should be in the team instead of dwelling on it.“You have to come here and be yourself. If you come here and act like the new kid or the young lad then I don’t think it will work out.“Gareth said to me: ‘Go and show what you are about and why you are here’. I have been here five minutes but I have worked hard this season and I want to try and show everyone why I deserve to be here. I will try and show what I have to offer.”“I’ve played all the games in the Premier League this season and we’ve had a relatively good start but you know, you can never expect it [an England call-up].“It is such a big honour to come and play for England and get the call from Gareth and I am truly honoured. The No.10 position is my favourite role and I’m a player who likes to play in between the lines and try and break that midfield line.“I went into pre-season with the mindset of, ‘be fearless, go and show everyone what you can do’. I’m really enjoying it and loving life.”– James Maddison (Via: the Telegraph)"
How refreshing to hear a young millionaire be articulately candid and admirable about his dream coming true. To be completely honest, the Leicester City faithful’s wishes have also been granted. Devoid of the je ne sais quoi of a Riyad Mahrez this campaign, that immense gap is filled adequately by the young playmaker.
It is always a frustrating and mildly boring time to be a club football fan during the international intermission. Yet, this time at least, the Blue Army can judge just how much of a gem their beloved team got; for the bargain, modern price of up to £24 million. Now with the seniors, consequently, maturity should blossom fruitfully under Southgate’s tutelage.
Leicester City and England fans can view the England versus Croatia Nations League match at 19:45 BST on Friday. All details are here at the FA website. This would be Maddison’s national debut so he is likely to feature as a substitute.