James Maddison is at the start of a “big year” as he looks to make up for lost time in his progress.
Brendan Rodgers said: “Like all the other players I thought he was excellent in the period he was there. One or two of them just felt their calves tighten up, which is totally natural at this stage of the season. But you could see he was a wonderful link for us in the game. You could see how he takes the ball. He got us turned and made some wonderful passes. Tactically, he was good in the game because they really challenge you in that aspect. I think they (Maddison and Grealish) are both close, they are both very talented players. But it’s been unfortunate for James. He suffered from a number of injuries which have curtailed his progress. This will be a big year for him, trying to maintain that fitness. You need a little bit of luck with that as well. But you saw how hard he is working for the team. You see his quality and how he takes the ball. His eye for the last pass. He is a wonderful talent. All he can do is play to the highest level consistently for Leicester and see where it takes him.”
However, beyond their ability to fashion chances for others, Rodgers believes Maddison and Grealish are actually not too alike.
Brendan Rodgers said: “Where I think they’re the same, is that they are both creators. But I would say they are both totally different. One is a dribbler and commits people on the sides, whereas James is more central and he’s more of a passer. So yes, they are both creative players but stylistically they are both very different.”
The Leicester City midfielder has been in the headlines this summer with Arsenal keen on taking him to the Emirates Stadium to be the Gunners’ new creative star. City manager Brendan Rodgers is convinced Maddison is staying put, and hopes he can stay injury free too. Maddison has long been compared with good friend Jack Grealish, but while the latter has become a British record signing for Manchester City at £100m, City’s own creative force has had his rise somewhat stunted by a hip injury. He started 24 Premier League matches last season, his lowest tally since moving to the King Power Stadium. But the 24-year-old has looked in good condition in pre-season and was one of the star performers for City in the Community Shield success. To move up a gear and catch up with Grealish’s progression, he needs a little luck, says his manager.
