Foxes of Leicester explains why some Leicester City supporters are upset with midfielder James Maddison at the moment, stretching further back this season.
Personally, I love a maverick: a player able to influence or win a game for his side with one faint or flick of usually long flowing locks of hair – think David Ginola as a great example – as well as their dribbling, vision and magnetism. Maddison represents one of them in the contemporary era.
And no, footballers don’t have the same persona these days, partly due to media training. Yet the Foxes playmaker was also lauded for his post-match interviews for unusually refreshing candour and some entertaining everyman views.
In other words, I like Maddison too; imagine being a modern, David Beckham-esque professional with all the trappings. ‘Madders’ even has the model partner from Los Angeles – now expecting his child – which illustrates the echelon he aspires to.
Incidentally, I’m not criticising the couple at all, good luck to them. There is, though, a certain reality television-like sociological implication: for example some fans have accused Maddison of caring too much about his hair, photos or Instagram over LCFC. That is perhaps a little harsh, but I do see the point being made. But Beckham’s commitment to his craft is the only thing we should care about Madders replicating.
What’s the Leicester City star done now?
Listen, the guy himself attests to the fact that he loves fashion and lots of off field hobbies – and good luck to him, everyone needs a pastime. But all of us in the Blue Army would give anything to feature for the east Midlands team, even for just five minutes. That is why occasionally exceptional forward-thinkers like the 25-year-old, or say, a Riyad Mahrez, suffer reproval from their adoring faithful.
Ever since Maddison was red carded after a second yellow card for a dive a good while back in 2018, a few of us Foxes cast a more suspicious eye over the midfield man’s subtle on and off pitch antics. He can appear to be a little sly with some falls to the ground while playing – but I don’t mind that if it ultimately obtains Leicester points. How unethical of myself to condone it, eh?
Oh, then there was Ayoze Perez’s ill-advised, no, stupid party during full lockdown. Inviting people outside of the squad was a real insight into how little this campaign meant to those involved, to be frank. Little apology was made and the specific players made little impact in the expiring, crucial Leicester season. Would the Foxes have gained a point or two and made the Champions League if that soirée never took place? Possibly, it’s impossible to say, although you know what I’m thinking!
While Maddison has sustained two fairly problematic injuries over the past year, which legitimately kept him sidelined and needed much rehabilitation or physiotherapy, when he has played he’s been ineffective overall. Strangely enough, Maddison laid on a great no-look pass for Leicester’s second goal against Tottenham Hotspur prior to being substituted by Brendan Rodgers.
Some onlookers thought that exit from the game was a hooking for Maddison: it wasn’t, Rodgers was protecting his still unfit asset and, fatefully, the slender lead against Spurs. Consequently the east Midlands side were defeated by a better team on the day. Losing two of the best centre-backs on the roster prior to and during didn’t help.
Anyway, back to Maddison. Unfortunately for him, he was photographed hugging Harry Kane directly after losing to the Lilywhites. And the Leicester fan base found that a turnoff, to say the least. Oh Madders. One supporter was actually given air time from talkSPORT on the matter; he fairly eloquently explained how the former Norwich City player was frustrating yet ultimately very talented. This is essentially my assertion: Maddison is arguably the most skilled man at the King Power club, but may not become the club legend he should.
England boss Gareth Southgate omitted the Fox from his provisional Euro2020 squad. Madders will be thinking ‘if only I was fit’; however, Southgate will have thought ‘if only he was selectable’. That is because, when tested, the FA or their man at the helm of the Three Lions will always choose the Mason Mount over the James Maddison. Sadly for the latter, this time that choice is easily justifiable, despite his productivity between December and February.