James Maddison “has everything to be an outstanding international footballer,” Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers expressed his belief that James Maddison has everything to be an outstanding international footballer to the press today, ahead of his team’s upcoming game away at Bournemouth.
“He has everything to be an outstanding international footballer, with a view of the game that is at the highest level,” Rodgers revealed, before going on to say, “This boy is a top player and what he has now is a top attitude.”
Creative midfielder Maddison has had an excellent start to the season, being a diamond in a very rough campaign so far for The Foxes but unless something changes he looks set to miss out on Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
“By the time the World Cup squad is announced, I hope he’ll have done enough to get into the squad, even though he hasn’t been involved in the build up,” Rodgers said.
Paul Gascoigne was in a similar situation going into Italia 90’, got the opportunity and ran with it, the Leicester manager is hoping their number 10 does the same, “You need an opportunity. With the greatest respect, James hasn’t had an opportunity. He came into a game when the team was 5-0 up (against Montenegro)."
“For what he has produced over these last couple of years to be in one squad…I’m not sure,” Rodgers proclaimed.
“I’ve worked with many world-class players. I worked at Chelsea where there was a generation of players that was incredible – big talents. I saw It every day of my life. And I’ve been able to work with other players at a top level so I’m not someone coming without a view of what top looks like.”
The under-pressure Leicester boss was then asked if the England set-up ever call to check in on Maddison’s progress, to which he responded, “No, never.”
We’ll find out whether there’s any indication of that being a bad sign when Southgate picks his 26-man squad for Qatar on Thursday, November 10.
Rodgers’ Foxes side we’ll be looking to push on, after picking up their first-win of the season on Monday night against local rivals, Nottingham Forest, and leapfrogging them from the foot of the table.
After Sunday’s trip to the south coast, Leicester welcome Crystal Palace to the King Power Stadium seven days later, before a home double-header is competed with the visit of Leeds on the Thursday night.
Those three games will be critical for not only James Maddison’s World Cup bid, but also Brendan Rodgers’ future in charge of the 2015/16 Premier League champions.