In a recent interview with LoveSport Radio (via the Daily Express), former Liverpool wide player Jimmy Carter encouraged his old club to make a £100m move for Leicester City midfielder James Maddison this summer when he said, “James Maddison seems like a perfect fit for Liverpool.
“For me if Liverpool were to get him, they’re talking about £70-75million.
“I would pay £100m to get James Maddison into the midfield at Liverpool, and he would be an instant success.
“He would be a remarkable player and acquisition for Liverpool FC.
I would love to see James Maddison slot into that midfield.
“Because what you’ve got is the likes of Fabinho, Henderson who are more holding midfield players, not really renowned for their creativity – even though Henderson is showing more creativity now than he has before.”
Maddison’s Outstanding Debut Campaign In Leicester Colours Last Season
The Coventry born talent has experienced a brilliant debut season at the King Power Stadium after he put in numerous match-winning displays for the Foxes in the previous campaign. His rich vein of form in the Premier League has particularly impressed a lot of people as Maddison has done remarkably well to settle into the English top-flight quicker than most other players who make the jump from the EFL Championship.
The 22-year-old registered seven goals while creating seven assists in 38 appearances for the West Midlands outfit last season across all competitions. He has also represented England at the Under-21 level and could be destined to play a crucial role for Gareth Southgate’s senior team if he can continue his progression as a midfielder in the coming years.
What Does The English Prospect Offer On The Field?
Maddison has decent pace and is a dangerous dribbler with the ball from midfield. He has a good football IQ and tends to drop into pockets of spaces to try and make a positive impact in the opposition half. He can open up the most rigid of defences with his vision and ball-distribution. The Leicester youngster is also a significant goal-threat from long range as his shots are often on target and pack a lot of power.
Should The Reds Recruit Maddison?
The addition of a creative force like Maddison will undoubtedly improve Jurgen Klopp’s midfield options significantly ahead of the new season. He will be a great fit at Merseyside as the Reds are desperate to add more creativity to their midfield. The likes of Georginio Wijnaldum, James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all players of similar nature as they have a knack for putting in tireless shifts in midfield. However, they are all technically weak and lack the playmaking attributes of Maddison.
Naby Keita could be an answer for their midfield problems next season, but his recent injury record remains a cause for concern. Hence, a talent like Maddison could come in and add more depth to Klopp’s squad while also improving the overall quality of the Liverpool first-team. All things considered, it makes sense for the reigning European champions to move in for the ex-Coventry City sensation in this off-season but paying £100m for him makes no sense whatsoever even in today’s inflated transfer market.
