Foxes Madd
BREN: CARRA GOT JAMES IN THE MOOD
BRENDAN RODGERS has sent a nod of thanks to pundit Jamie Carragher for lighting a fire under James Maddison.
Leicester’s boss said the words of Sky’s commentator had prompted a positive reaction from the England international.
Maddison heard comments from the ex-Liverpool centre-half about how he needed to find the net more often.
And the Foxes midfielder acted upon that advice, asking both boss Rodgers and the club’s analysts for ideas, showing his hand after the midweek defeat of Chelsea.
And Rodgers said that the words from his former charge at Anfield had worked a treat. He said: “It has been a constant since the day that we came in here – that we have worked with James, to improve him – but Carra’s words gave him another spark.
“The guys who have been around me know that we have always given the strikers a target to produce. We work with them.
“But what I think was pleasing about James was that he didn’t become emotional in a negative way on what Carra was saying about him. James
constantly analyses his game. He’s constantly talking about it. He loves football and is always looking for ways to improve.
“It was interesting that Carra’s words stuck in his mind as well, which was great.
“He thought, ‘Maybe I can get better.’ I’ve tried to encourage that but I think he’s a player that genuinely wants to improve.”
Maddison has netted five in his last seven outings and that improved return will be important during the next few weeks as Rodgers heads into today’s clash at Brentford without star man Jamie Vardy, who is absent having undergone a hernia operation.
The former Norwich star is now likely to take on increased responsibility and Rodgers thinks there is a misconception about the Maddison, 24, which was dispelled after the honesty of his interview following the Foxes 2-0 win over Frank Lampard’s side. He added: “There is a comparison to be made with Jack Grealish, Mason Mount and James.
“They are all great talents. But, in my opinion, they all offer different things to their teams.
“What I love about James is his personality. He’s such an honest boy. That interview he did was so refreshing.
“This boy hasn’t forgotten – among all the so-called glitz and glamour of the Premier League – where he’s from. That’s why you get such honesty from him.
“No matter where he is on his journey and path to be a top player, he understands it’s about fighting, working and learning and being the best he can be.
“His personality has never changed. It’s great he gets the credit for being the way he was the other night. Before it was deemed arrogant or cocky. He’s just got an inherent belief in his ability. And that’s okay.
“He’s still learning. He’s in his early 20s. His football nous will be even better but at this moment he’s still a top performer in the most competitive league in the world.”
With ten matches in the next 35 days, Rodgers’ squad will be tested to the maximum but he is determined to keep his foot on the pedal as his side lies third in the table.
He added: “I’m going to field as good a side as I can. We’ll do what we have to. I need players to produce against Brentford.
“They remind me very much of my Swansea side that earned promotion.
“And our intention is to attack every competition during the second half of this season.”