Despite some similarities, Smith Rowe and Maddison are most definitely different players, with the former typically used in an advanced role while the latter has admitted he prefers to be deployed slightly deeper. When asked for his preferred position last summer
James Maddison said: “Number eight definitely. I played as a number 10 at the start of last season, and then when the gaffer [Brendan Rodgers] came in, I transitioned into a number eight, and sometimes I play off the left. I don’t want to be labelled as a number 10. I’m not a number 10. I can’t remember a game where I’ve played as a number 10 this season, maybe West Ham at home. Being a number eight has made me add that defensive side to my game. I’m never going to be a big tackler, I’m never going to go around smashing people. It’s that awareness and that responsibility of getting little toes in, little interceptions, because as a number eight you find yourself deeper a lot, so I’ve had to add that.”
Given the 24-year-old admitted he prefers to be utilised eight as a box-to-box midfielder or from the left flank, a potential transfer to Arsenal certainly cannot be ruled out. He enjoyed a stellar 2020/21 campaign, bagging 21 goals and assists across all competitions for the Foxes.
