Leicester City finally got their season up and running after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 at King Power Stadium. The Foxes were forced to play the final quarter of the game without Jamie Vardy, who was sent off for a lunging tackle on Matt Doherty. Referee Mike Dean showed no hesitation in picking out his red card but the decision was arguable.
The Foxes were fortunate to see the Doherty turning the ball into his own net in the initial stages of the game. And then, the £22m James Maddison capped off his impressive performance with a goal just before the half-time whistle. The English youngster twisted and turned before curling a shot into the roof of the goal. It did take a deflection on its way through but it was an excellent goal from the former Norwich City star.
Maddison seems to have nailed down his spot under manager Claude Puel. Often deployed as a central attacking midfielder, the 21-year-old has flourished in Puel’s system so far. Maddison possesses a number of qualities to thrive in the final third.
He has averaged a pass success rate of 81% in his two games for Leicester City and is a direct player who likes to look up every time he is on the ball. Over the years, Marc Albrighton often whipped in the ball for Vardy to latch onto, but it looks as though Maddison is better at it.
With the midfielder playing just off the striker, the Foxes are starting to click fruitfully in the final third. Maddison is also capable of taking charge on his own when caught in a tight situation. The midfielder is calm and composed, often using his skill set to dribble past defenders before teeing up for a shot.
He completed 3 successful dribbles against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side and proved a constant menace for defenders outside the box. Maddison is also brilliant at taking long rangers. In the game against Wolves, the midfielder averaged 1.1 shots from outside the box. With Maddison lurking around, any goalkeeper should be kept on his heels.
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As Leicester prepare for their next game against Southampton, James Maddison must aim to carry on his strong performance and maintain consistency. So far, the Foxes haven’t been made to rue Riyad Mahrez’s absence, with the likes of Maddison and Rachid Ghezzal impressing when called upon.
(Stats courtesy: Whoscored)
