Leicester City midfielder James Maddison would be “one of the first names on the team-sheet” from the perspective of Newcastle boss Eddie Howe if the club are successful in luring him to St James’ Park.
That is according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, who believes the one-cap England international would be better off signing for Newcastle over potential other suitors in Manchester City and Liverpool, as he would be guaranteed regular minutes in Tyneside.
Downie also believes that Maddison would quickly become a dependable figure in Howe’s side in what would be a “good move” overall.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the Sky Sports man said:
“When you look at it, that could be a good move for James Maddison.
“It could be something a bit different to the norm and rather than going to a Manchester City, a Liverpool or whoever it may be that’s interested and struggling to get in the team, you’d obviously be one of the first names on the team-sheet at Newcastle.”
A bold yet accurate claim
Don’t get me wrong, Maddison has every attribute required to thrive in a respective Manchester City or Liverpool set-up, and many fans would potentially argue that the 25-year-old would have a bigger impact than Jack Grealish has had at the Etihad – but that is a conversation for a different day, and probably one to be had in earshot of Miguel Almiron.
With the amount of illustrious depth in both sides, Maddison could find himself limited slightly in terms of game time, which would not go down well for a player of his esteem.
Therefore, a move to a new, prosperous and exciting project, who are looking to play expansive, possession-based football in a 4-3-3 set-up would surely appeal to the number-10-wearing star.
It is perhaps the smartest move for his career, especially if the Magpies are to secure European football this season.
Having garnered a whopping and highly underrated total of 20 attacking returns last season in the form of 12 goals and eight assists, across 35 Premier League appearances, the versatile advanced playmaker is at it again this season.
The £60million man currently stands with another impressive total of six goals and four assists to his name in 12 league appearances.
With his impact and, somehow, low profile in regards to recognition, Maddison is the exact kind of profile that the Toon should be going for and would fit the long-term ambitions of the club perfectly.
