Why James Maddison was left out of the Leicester team vs Burnley

Foxes of Leicester attempt to explain why James Maddison was left out of the Leicester City team vs Burnley. In addition to predicting whether he’ll start versus Leeds United.

After exhibiting improved football, better strength and a steely determination versus Burnley – those qualities are necessary when traveling to Turf Moor – Leicester eventually attained their reward via supersubs Maddison and Jamie Vardy.

This match happened to be Vardy’s first game back in a while – and what a comeback it was. England’s former striker wowed the Blue Army as he assisted the playmaker superbly to make the scoreline 1-0. That was before the attacker expertly finished off his own goal; supplied by a rejuvenated, now productive Harvey Barnes.

Yet this piece focuses on the midfielder. Some say it is only a matter of time until ‘Madders’ receives a call from Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate to revive his international career. And I would have to agree: I don’t see an Englishman in Maddison’s position performing as well currently. Not to mention the fact that the 25-year-old is so versatile that Southgate could deploy him in numerous roles across midfield, as a No.10, or wide.

So, with Maddison on-form and making positive headlines once more, why did LCFC boss Brendan Rodgers leave him out of the starting line-up against the Clarets? Well, fitness is one reason, due to the ex-Norwich City man only recently returning from injury. Secondly, Rodgers seems to suggest the decision may have been partially defensive:

"“I just felt we needed that physicality, especially early on in the game. With Ki (Dewsbury-Hall) pressing, he can get up there, and gives us that extra man in midfield. Then introducing him (Maddison) into the game.“Some of the problems we’ve had, we haven’t pressed the game well enough at the top end of the field and that’s allowed too many opportunities. Sometimes it’s been great with the ball, but not so good without it.”Leicester Mercury"

Leeds United on the road to meet Leicester City

Leicester clash with Leeds on Saturday afternoon; the contest is actually the early kick-off, at 12:30pm in the UK. Foxes of Leicester expect Maddison to be reinstated into the eleven.

Marc Albrighton is the likely candidate to be replaced by his colleague. Though the Tamworth-born utility player doesn’t necessarily deserve to be a substitute, it is likely.