James Maddison can be Leicester City and England’s lynch pin for years

After an impressive breakthrough season with Leicester City, James Maddison has the potential to be an influential figure for both club and country.

Despite bursting on to the Premier League scene in emphatic fashion last term with 14 goal contributions, the 22-year-old’s efforts were not rewarded with a senior international call-up this summer. However he is part of the Under-21s Euro campaign.

However, after England’s midfield underwhelmed at the inaugural UEFA Nations League, Gareth Southgate will have no choice but to consider other options to improve his team’s engine room.

Specifically, when the Three Lions encountered the Netherlands in the tournament’s semi-final, the influence of Frankie de Jong on proceedings highlighted the total absence of an English equivalent.

Southgate’s side lacked a play-maker to dictate the game’s tempo, frequently take the ball on the half-turn and produce tangible end-product. Ring any bells, City fans?

Maddison produced 101 key passes in Leicester blue this season, with an overall pass completion of 83.8%, stats via WhoScored. If the Foxes midfielder replicated anything close to that for his national team, it would be an improvement on the current crop.

Signed from the championship for a reported £22 million, the Coventry-born attacking midfielder immediately became a key factor in City’s success. Subsequently, inevitable reports linking him with a move away to every single top six club have frequently appeared in the usual news outlets this summer.

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Although, similar to his teammate, Ben Chilwell, Maddison has dismissed the interest and is willing to show loyalty to the club that gave him the platform to shine in the Premier League:

"However, the Mercury understands Chilwell is not looking to leave this summer despite the speculation and, according to reports, Maddison has indicated he is also happy at City and could even be willing to commit his future to the club by signing a new contract.Via Leicestershire Live"

Maddison’s versatility has become increasingly clear since the arrival of Youri Tielemans in January. Though often adopting a typically advanced number 10 role, Brendan Rodgers has successfully deployed the Englishman as a deeper, creative No.8.

This summer, the 22-year-old will gain invaluable tournament experience with the under 21 side at the European Championships. Following that, should his excellent form continue, Southgate will have no choice but to give Maddison his first cap, with plenty more surely to follow.