Glen Johnson claims James Maddison is capable of playing for Liverpool
Former Liverpool fullback Glen Johnson claims Leicester City and England star James Maddison has the ability to play for the Reds.
Maddison, whose contract with the Foxes expires next summer, is tipped to leave the King Power Stadium after the end of this season. Football.London reports that the trio of London clubs Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing him. Newcastle United have been linked as well.
The England international has had an excellent season for Leicester, with nine goals and eight assists in 26 league appearances. His performances would be key in deciding whether the Foxes stay in the Premier League or go down.
Here’s what Johnson said about the 26-year-old doing well at Liverpool if signed (h/t GGRecon, via Liverpool Echo):
“James is a very good player and he’s been brilliant for Leicester City. At Leicester, James is a big fish in a smaller pond and he gets the green light to do effectively whatever he wants on the pitch.
“At a top club, where it’s more structured, then he’s not going to be given that freedom or be the main man and you’d have to see how he adapts to those limitations.
“I do believe he’s capable of playing for Liverpool if they were to ever join the race to sign him and if he’s not willing to be the ‘big fish’ then he can definitely improve at an even bigger club.”
Is Maddison a good option for Liverpool with what they required in the midfield department? One would imagine this not to be the case. He is a playmaker who likes to operate as a number 10. It might be tough for him to play as a number eight in a highly-intense system under Jurgen Klopp.
For that reason, we are inclined to think that the Reds may not go after him during the summer window. A player similar in profile but positionally versatile is the club’s primary target – Mason Mount. The Chelsea man would offer on and off the ball as a midfield playmaker.
Liverpool are expected to bolster the midfield department this summer. Not only the creative side, but the defensive side of it also needs ironing out as well.
More Liverpool News:
- Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson admits top four is far ahead after the Fulham win
- Chelsea eye a move for Liverpool target and Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana
- Bayern Munich star Ryan Gravenberch backed to push for Liverpool transfer
With Jude Bellingham most probably going to Real Madrid, it is time to spread the transfer war chest to several additions and expand the quality base of the squad to a minimum of 20-22 players. The scheduling these days are as such that even a slightly deeper squad will get enough game time. Of course, we do not want a Chelsea situation where 30 players are there.
