Leicester player reviews – Get Carter’s 20/21: James Maddis-done?

Then he really kicked into his stride with a fine display at Newcastle with a goal. Of his next 9 league games, he managed 5 goals and 3 assists as well as a goal and an assist in the FA Cup. Then after a dangerous and goal-scoring performance at Aston Villa, he suffered an unfortunate foot injury and was once again sidelined. After a brief return off the bench against Manchester City, he reached a low point when he broke the ever-lasting COVID protocols with some of his teammates.

This caused him to be omitted from the squad for a crucial game at West Ham. Brendan Rodgers was disappointed but stuck by the talented central midfielder publicly. Privately it seemed to be something of a turning point though. Maddison was used sparingly and only entrusted with one full 90 minutes for the rest of the season and most tellingly he was only used as a substitute for both the semi-final and final of the FA Cup. It turned out that the last goal he was involved in was at Villa Park with not even an assist registered to add to his previous 10 for the season.

It was heartening to see Maddison celebrate Youri Tielemans goal so enthusiastically from the bench, but all that watched it were asking themselves how Maddison had managed to not be entrusted with a starting spot. Ayoze Perez was used far more as the season closed out and although many agree that Maddison is the more creative player, many also agree that Perez works far harder for the team off the ball to create a strong defensive shape. Maddison doesn’t chase back enough or close down aggressively up the pitch either.