James Maddison’s success at Leicester City no surprise for Tony Mowbray

James Maddison’s success at Leicester City hasn’t come as a surprise to former Coventry City manager Tony Mowbray.

Mowbray was the 21-year old’s boss at Coventry, and it was under him that the no.10 got his first chance. Since then, Maddison hasn’t looked back, going from strength to strength, and finally into Gareth Southgate’s England side.

For a majority, Maddison’s emphatic rise has been a bit of a shock, as it seems only yesterday that he was playing in the Sky Bet Championship for Norwich City. However, it doesn’t surprise the now Blackburn Rovers boss Mowbray at all.

Speaking to the Leicester Mercury, the 54-year old revealed that Maddison was never satisfied with his displays, and would always have to be forcefully brought off the training ground – that’s how hard he worked.

"“Maddison was never satisfied with his performances when I worked with him at Coventry,” said Mowbray.“He was always the last one off the training ground, always practicing free-kicks, getting people to whack balls into him so he could work on his first touch.“Sometimes with footballers, they either listen or they don’t. With Maddison whether it be raining or snowing and getting dark, you’d have to ask the staff to go and get him in from the training pitch because he’d have a game the next day!“That’s what James was, so it comes as no surprise to me to see his career blossom. He was always going to progress because he was so gifted. His talent was there for all to see.“He’d use his body well, take it away from people, use both feet. His ability to put the right weight on a pass was quite devastating.“I’m pleased for James because he loves the game. He’s full embroiled in football and all he wants to do is be the best. I’m delighted that the England call has come his way.”"

He has really been remarkable in the Premier League, excelling in just about every single aspect that England’s midfielders lacked at the World Cup. The former Norwich City midfielder has also improved his defensive game, averaging 1.3 tackles and 0.4 interceptions per game.

Maddison is expected to make his debut for the Three Lions in the UEFA Nations League fixture against Croatia at the Stadion HNK Rijeka later tonight. It’s a shame, though, that none of the fans would be able to see him in action.

The two sides would be playing behind closed doors as part of the punishment that Croatia received from the UEFA after a Swastika symbol was marked on the pitch before a Euro 2016 qualifier against Italy in 2015.