Maturing Maddison is hailed
BRENDAN RODGERS believes James Maddison has matured into his trump card – but says he may pay a price for it.
The under-pressure Leicester City chief has been so impressed with the England international that he now claims the playmaker will have to play where he can most hurt opponents.
Rodgers needs a victory tomorrow night against East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest like never before as the Foxes chase their first victory of the season.
Rock-bottom after seven games, the screw is slowly turning on Rodgers, who is calling on reserves of goodwill – plus the insurance of a hefty pay-out on his current contract – to stay in a job.
And he needs Maddison to be right on top of his game – wherever on the pitch that may be.
He said: “James is an outstanding player. He has grown and developed in his time with us.
“I would hope that the outside world now looks at him as a real talent, someone who has matured from being that young guy who broke into the first team here.
“He’s now become a father, he’s maturing in his life. He has such quality and a wonderful overall view of the game.
“The best compliment I can pay him is that, because of what we don’t have, I now find myself trying to move him around the pitch into areas where he can best help the team.”
Maddison is now into his fifth season with Leicester and has just one England cap to his name.
With the Three Lions having played their final game before departing for Qatar, time is running out for Maddison to get in the World Cup squad.
Rodgers said: “You have to perform. Perform well, you’ll get an opportunity. It’s pretty straightforward for every player, including James. Do well between now and November.”