MAGICAL MARCUS NOT THE FINISHED ARTICLE
STEVE Evans says Marcus Maddison is a genius who needs to work harder. Genius might be a bit strong, but the sentiment is spot on.
I saw Marcus play many times for Gateshead in the National League and he was their best player by a distance.
His talent is beyond question. This season alone, the wide man has 12 goals and 21 assists in all competitions for Peterborough.
He can run with the ball at great pace. And, as for that left foot, just watch the 40-yard strike that ended Shrewsbury’s long unbeaten run in October. Not many players have that in the bag.
But, speaking to one or two people at Peterborough, there was a feeling that, when Marcus didn’t have the ball, he didn’t do enough to help out defensively.
Watching him this year, his work-rate is better. At 24, you can see he’s starting to understand the game and make better decisions. I think Evans will also bring him on.
Grant McCann, who was sacked in February, was someone who very much built the team around Marcus.
Evans won’t want to shackle him, but there will be more emphasis on shape, discipline and work-rate.
Marcus has always being touted for bigger clubs, with Aston Villa among those rumoured to be interested. But he has to be careful.
He’s still learning his trade and he doesn’t want to get stuck on the bench. He’ll get his chance in the Championship but, for the moment, he’s at the perfect club in Peterborough.