Brendan Rodgers has praised midfielder James Maddison following Leicester’s loss to Manchester United this Saturday. The Foxes registered their second consecutive loss this season as they visited Old Trafford in search of three points.
The Scottish gaffer apparently compares him to former Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho, whom he managed at Liverpool in his past. Talking about their similarities, he said,
“He’s the type of player who will drift from position to position, I remember working with Coutinho at Liverpool, sometimes he’d play inside, sometimes he’d drift off the side. James is a little bit like that in terms of positioning,”
“He will continue to work. His job was to create and score goals, he’ll keep working on that. He was unlucky on the free kick [which just went over the bar].
“He has a threat to get in behind, he was unlucky when the keeper makes a save with his ankle I think it was. He was unfortunate there. That’s what it’s about for him: numbers, creating goals, scoring goals. It’s only his second season at this level and he’s already showing great talent.
“He’s got big potential, I think he’s going to improve in his game, the management of his game, but he’s a big talent and we’re just trying to prepare him in order for him to play at the highest level for as long as he can.”
Rodgers also appeared to praise Maddison’s self-belief.
“He’s got a really strong belief in his ability, it’s not misplaced, he’s a very good player, fantastic talent but is constantly working to be better which is what you want,” he said.
Madison is yet to make his England debut under Gareth Southgate and wasn’t picked up for the Euro qualifiers. However, Rodgers was far from being surprised about the decision.
“Young players need to understand they don’t have an entitlement, just because they play well, get in the squad, there has to be a process. Gareth will obviously pick the players who he thinks should play,” the Foxes boss said.
“He has to be consistent, a really humble boy, a lovely swagger, a lovely arrogance, but he is a good kid who will get better. He loves his football, hopefully, he can sustain that place in the squad and be there for when they need him.”
SEE ALSO: Manchester United player salaries 2019/20
