At one point James Maddison was seen as the most important player at Leicester City. After yet another season of goals and assists, why is James Maddison’s importance seemingly dwindling?
James Maddison, Leicester City stats:
Appearances total: – 42 / Premier League – 31 / FA Cup – 4 / Europa League – 6 / EFL Cup – 1
Goals total: – 11
Moment to savour: – A classy brace at home to Brighton
Moment to forget: – Banishment from the squad after a COVID breach
Finishing the truly bizarre 2019/2020 season, James Maddison missed the last 6 games with a hip injury. This injury would seemingly affect his start to the 2020/21 season as he was given 20-minute bursts of games to get him up to speed. It would take him until the 5th November before he was able to complete a full 90 minutes in a 4-0 demolition of Braga.
Whilst getting up to speed it took him some time to find his scoring boots. With only one league goal to his name in his first ten appearances (a Spectacular curling long shot at The Etihad) it was long overdue before he hit a classy brace and turned in a man-of-the-match display against Brighton.
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.
On the flip side, Maddison seems to be targeted by opposition players with heavy challenges and aggression to seemingly bully him off the ball. This lack of form may be further notice of injuries still being carried or a lack of fitness, but to not be entrusted with some of the most important games will have disappointed Maddison greatly. As will his inevitable fall from grace culminating in him being overlooked for a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the European Championships.
Is he done at Leicester City though? Speculation linking Maddison’s name with Chelsea and Arsenal in recent weeks is curious given the inconsistent season he’s just had, but Leicester do tend to sell big names every summer. Hopefully, Maddison’s name won’t be added to that list anytime soon. With a summer of rest under his belt and a desire to prove himself again next season should reap better rewards for him and Leicester.
Rating: 7/10
Future: At Leicester for the time being, another season or two of development under Brendan Rodgers could see him further establish his quality and toughen up his game a tad.
Chances of leaving: 50% – but you just never know with willing suitors everywhere.