Maddox ‘has to believe in his ability’ says Jimmy
JACOB Maddox was behind a lot of what Burton Albion achieved going forward in Tuesday night’s disappointing 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa Under-21s in the Papa John’s Trophy – but manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink wants to see more from him.
Maddox, from Bristol, but on a season-long loan from Portuguese club Vitoria Guimaraes, showed a willingness to win the ball in midfield and some cute passes to set up a number of chances and keep Burton moving forward.
He has just returned to fitness after injuring his foot and ankle in the opening game of the season, away to Shrewsbury Town.
Hasselbaink has high hopes for Maddox, who he had wanted to sign on a permanent deal, but thinks the 22-year-old could believe more in his own ability.
Asked if Maddox’s performance might have been one of the few positives to emerge from the Aston Villa game, Hasselbaink said: “I expect more from him. I thought he wasn’t as direct as he can be. For me, he plays a little bit too much for others.
“Sometimes, he could take the game by the scruff of the neck himself.”
Should Maddox have been more selfish, rather than pick a pass?
“Selfish isn’t really the word, it’s more belief in himself, that he can do it,” said Hasselbaink.
“He can be a little more direct and he will help the team a lot more like that.
“Maybe, in the box, he needs to be a little more selfish and he could have a shot a bit quicker.
“But his closing down is very good, his winning back of the ball is good.
“He’s technically good enough, when he does that, to go and hurt defences and play forward a bit more. At the moment he plays backwards a little too much.
“But – we are definitely happy to have him back.”
Winger Danny Rowe has been mising from the squad for several games and Hasselbaink says Rowe is completing his recovery from a hamstring issue.
“Danny is back in training and i want to give him another week,” said the manager.
“Also, his wife is expecting and she is, I think, 10 days overdue. It’s their first one, so there must be a lot of stress. I’m going to give him a bit more time.”