Liverpool legend Steve McMahon has urged Jurgen Klopp to make a move for Leicester City midfielder James Maddison. In a recent interview with Stadium Astro (via the Daily Express), McMahon said, “He’s confident.
“I just wonder, there comes a time and this is no disrespect to Leicester, I wonder if Maddison will make a decision like Maguire and think do I go for the medals, do I go for the cash.
“I don’t think he’s going to be at Leicester for a long, long time. I really don’t.
“I think Maddison has another level to go. I think there’s a top team, if it’s not Liverpool then United maybe, they’ll be in for him. He can only get better.
“Jurgen loves up and at them players, 100 per cent, non-stop work rate. He knows his full-backs can create a chance, the space and can go for an overlap.
“I don’t see Maddison sitting on the bench [at a big club]. Say he comes to Liverpool, I’m not telling James Maddison to leave, but if I’m Klopp I would be looking to sign a player.
“He’s young, he’s English, he’s got a lot going for him. He changes the tempo of the game, why wouldn’t he get in Liverpool’s midfield?
“Henderson has been getting replaced forever with Milner, Keita has not come on leaps and bounds, Fabinho is the holding midfield player.
“There’s a position there for him. If he came and he knuckled down, and he got his work ethic sorted, I see no reason why he wouldn’t fit in.”
Maddison’s Brilliant Start To The New Season
Maddison put in a goal-scoring display for the Foxes against the Merseyside club on Saturday. However, his goal was not enough for Brendan Rodgers’ men to get anything out of the clash at Anfield as James Milner successfully converted a match-winning penalty in the 95th minute.
Klopp has already seen what Maddison is capable of in the Premier League. The English playmaker has enjoyed a magnificent spell at the King Power Stadium after joining from Norwich City in the summer of 2018.
The 22-year-old has gone on to make 46 appearances for the East Midlands outfit, scoring ten goals while providing nine assists on all fronts. He has also managed to start this campaign firing on all cylinders, having netted three goals and grabbing two assists in eight matches for the Foxes thus far. Even though Maddison is yet to earn his first international cap for England, the youngster has already managed to establish himself as an integral member of his nation’s U-21 team.
What Are The English Midfielder’s Best Attributes?
Maddison has decent pace and can make some driving runs from midfield without losing possession. What makes the English midfield ace such an exceptional talent is his ability to unlock a rigid defence with a defence-splitting pass in the final third. He is also a potent goal-threat from long range as he can strike the ball with a lot of power and accuracy.
However, Maddison needs to find a level of consistency with his performances on the field. The English playmaker can be a match-winner when he is playing with confidence. Therefore, Klopp should consider listening to McMahon’s advice and consider making a move for the Leicester star in the coming years.
Will Maddison Be The Right Fit For The Reds?
The Coventry-born rising star has all the skillset required to succeed at an elite club like Liverpool. He could even be an upgrade over any one of Klopp’s current creative options in midfield. Maddison will be an excellent fit for the European champions as he is already a proven performer in the Premier League.
