James Maddison holds the key to Leicester City’s European dream

It’s easy to forget the plethora of top talent Leicester City have when the newspapers are flooded with Harry Maguire speculation, but the England international isn’t the only player destined for greatness.

One of the many other talents is James Maddison. The start of the summer transfer window saw Manchester United become potential suitors for the young attacking midfielder. This saga was quickly put to bed after Maddison expressed his love for the Foxes on his social media accounts – as is the norm.

With just over two weeks remaining in the transfer window, most of the Leicester faithful will hope the Premier League clubs don’t come calling for the no.10, as there is a multitude of reasons as to why keeping Maddison is crucial to Leicester’s success.

To say Maddison is one of the best-attacking midfielders from England isn’t merely an opinion – it’s a fact. He created the most chances in all of Europe’s top five leagues last season. Many could argue this was a fluke but this man will lead the table again this season.

A bold claim, yes, but Maddison also holds Andres Iniesta-style assets – that’s what makes him so special. He’s mastered the “no-touch control” – allowing the ball to run by his body and consequently the defender frees up space behind the defender – something perfected by Iniesta, allowing him the time and space to orchestrate the tempo and attacks of his team.

Maddison and Iniesta both operate in the half-space between the opposition midfield and defence. This “no-touch control” manoeuvre is incredibly impressive, but it’s also crucial into how Leicester play.

Brendan Rodgers requires his midfielders to progress the ball forward and then wide. Maddison is a true asset in this regard. He creates the space with his “no-touch control” and then has the required passing range to cycle the ball wide and forward. It’s the attacking setup that Rodgers desires and Maddison is the one who makes it possible for the Foxes.

A prominent feature in the Cambridge United game, as well as the other two pre-season fixtures, has been the use of the one-twos. A basic component of football, Leicester seem to rely on it in moments of high importance.

By drawing in the defender before proceeding to play a fast one-two out of the situation, Leicester create pockets of space all over the pitch. It’s a basic concept that players have been using regardless of the manager; however, Rodgers seems to have outlined the importance of it within his tactics.

Maddison’s agility and quick feet make him incredibly useful with one-twos. His link-up play with Youri Tielemans and Jamie Vardy is natural and efficient. Combine that with his ability to drop his shoulder and beat the opposition’s defensive press, and you’ve got an attacking-midfielder with all the assets to create chances and score goals – as his 2018/2019 season showed.

He’s the heart and soul of the current Leicester team. Without him, Leicester lack identity and purpose. Games against Scunthorpe United and Cheltenham Town both ended with victories, however,  both victories were by marginal scorelines. There was a lack of cutting edge to Leicester’s attacking play – which Maddison provides.

Maddison wasn’t apart of the opening 45 minutes against United – which ended 0-0 – but he played the second-half and that ended 3-0. In only 45 minutes, Maddison was able to contribute three goals – the same number as Leicester had managed all pre-season.

It’s not just the statistics that back up his quality, it’s his performances also. He dictated the tempo and ran the show with his distribution. He’s vital to Leicester, he’s soon going to be vital to England.

Leicester’s dream of European football is ambitious but achievable when Maddison is the driving force of their attack.