Player Watch Player Watch: James Maddison

[Tucker]

I am undecided.

Let's get in a GK, CB, and then start clearing the decks - and then figure out how Ange was to set up. If Ange is looking for a single pivot, and 2 8's, then I think Maddison becomes a square peg in search of a round hole.

Maybe, I could see not picking up Kulu's option, and using the money on Maddison to play on the right of a front 3. But, my preference is still Kulu.

This is the sensible option. Other clubs may force our hand sooner rather than later though. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Kulu converted to an 8 in that system.

 

[bceej]

Either of Olise or Eze would be great additions, I think Eze probably is a better choice in my opinion.

Absolute live wire.

 

[ajspurs]

This is the sensible option. Other clubs may force our hand sooner rather than later though. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Kulu converted to an 8 in that system.

That was my view on it. If Ange doesn't see a place for him then that's fair enough and a different matter, but if that isn't the case, it doesn't feel like a piece of business we can get away with allowing to just sit there whilst we decide if we can bid or not.

I'm really not sure if those involved will work in such a way (despite having done so in the past with less desirable targets), but despite having targets and priorities, maybe there are certain deals that if they present themselves, we will go for regardless. Like this deal before a CB and GK. If we really want him I don't think we can afford to put him in a queue.

 

[mill]

I like the idea of trying kulu as an 8 and signing a pacy, excellent dribbler for the right hand side but Maddison would be a great signing

 

[arunspurs]

I like the idea of trying kulu as an 8 and signing a pacy, excellent dribbler for the right hand side but Maddison would be a great signing

Kulu does not think of build up game or positionally aware as well. You give the ball to Kulu, first thought for him is to to beat his man and carry the ball.

No8 position is more nuanced. I am not saying he cant play . He is intelligent, he can play there. But IMO, we will miss him at his most lethal position.

Infact, given his strength, ability to beat men 1v1, he is far better suited to be in RW. He can also cross well and has the ability to cut back. IMO, he is ideal RW for Ange.

We need to go for a made for no8 player not try to fit square pegs in round holes

 

[mill]

Kulu does not think of build up game or positionally aware as well. You give the ball to Kulu, first thought for him is to to beat his man and carry the ball.

No8 position is more nuanced. I am not saying he cant play . He is intelligent, he can play there. But IMO, we will miss him at his most lethal position.

Infact, given his strength, ability to beat men 1v1, he is far better suited to be in RW. He can also cross well and has the ability to cut back. IMO, he is ideal RW for Ange.

We need to go for a made for no8 player not try to fit square pegs in round holes

Fair points I’m not totally convinced he’d work there but I’d like to see it tried

 

[nedley]

I like the idea of trying kulu as an 8 and signing a pacy, excellent dribbler for the right hand side but Maddison would be a great signing

I'd prefer us to go for another left winger myself.

More than happy for Porro to cover the right side.

 

[kendoddsdadsdogsdead]

Talking about Eze, he’s a great ball carrier, good balance but he is very static off the ball and he drifts out of games too much atm.

Maddison isn’t lazy and compared to Eze is a work house. Two footed, good use of angles, clever passer, good change of pace and balance over five yards, he is very press resistant, not sure why people don’t think he is. Would be a brilliant signing imo.

 

[mill]

I'd prefer us to go for another left winger myself.

More than happy for Porro to cover the right side.

Both but I’d be happy with kulu and Porro for the right with Maddison coming in. I’m not completely sold on as richarlison as a wide player but he’s much more suited to the left than right but I’d have him as Kane backup

 

[Tucker]

Interesting take on Maddison and his potential role in our team.

 

[Luka Van der Bale]

I am undecided.

Let's get in a GK, CB, and then start clearing the decks - and then figure out how Ange was to set up. If Ange is looking for a single pivot, and 2 8's, then I think Maddison becomes a square peg in search of a round hole.

Maybe, I could see not picking up Kulu's option, and using the money on Maddison to play on the right of a front 3. But, my preference is still Kulu.

I think the complete opposite - he's my absolutely ideal signing for one of those 8/10 hybrid roles.

 

[Johnny J]

We badly need someone who can dictate play and actually pass the fucking ball. So yes please.

 

[daveduvet]

Think he’s a very good, could be consistently great, player - why? Set plays; incisive passing; game changing individual. Would welcome him.

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

He has several red flags:

1. Extremely injury prone

2. He is quite lazy and coasts through games. Doesn't fit the mould of super high pressing and hard working player.

3. His open play creativity isn't actually standout. A significant chunk of his xA comes from set pieces which creates this illusion that he's super creative. His open play goal creating actions (gca) is 0.36 (69th percentile), shot creating actions (sca) 2.76 (62nd percentile) compared to:
De Bruyne sca 4.27 (99th percentile), gca 0.84 (99th percentile)
Odegaard sca 3.66 (99th percentile), gca 0.43 (97th percentile)

4. His early and middle build up play isn't amazing and he isn't significantly press resistant.

For the money he would cost, we should look elsewhere especially as I really don't think he suits Ange's pressing and hard working system.


For those saying he will go to Newcastle, I'm not sure they will go for him. They are prioritising a move for Szoboszlai in that position instead and he's a far superior player.

Great points.

He’s a quality player no doubt but for Ange's style of football not sure he’s that well suited actually and for that price as you say we could get Hatae and Alex Scott so not too fussed if we pass on this.

 

[Lappi]

Injury record is a concern and there are probably similar players with more upside.

But he's good and the type of player we really need. Ideally would like him and another younger creator.

Will need to shift a lot of our squad for that to be feasible though.

 

[Ginola+Tonic]

Lee Kang-In is the one.
With his rumoured release clause aswell I’d much prefer him to Maddison.

 

[Impspur1]

Lee Kang-In is the one.
With his rumoured release clause aswell I’d much prefer him to Maddison.

I wouldn’t be upset if Him and Scott came in, proper project players who will get better. This is the model I want to see use follow moving forward.

 

[DJS]

I am undecided.

Let's get in a GK, CB, and then start clearing the decks - and then figure out how Ange was to set up. If Ange is looking for a single pivot, and 2 8's, then I think Maddison becomes a square peg in search of a round hole.

Maybe, I could see not picking up Kulu's option, and using the money on Maddison to play on the right of a front 3. But, my preference is still Kulu.

Maddison has stayed his preferred position is as an 8 so he definitely wouldn’t be a square leg in a round hole, he’d fit the system perfectly.

 

[Stamford]

Only worry is his attitude. Leicester fans moaned about him a lot this season

 

[djhotspur]

Lee Kang-In is the one.
With his rumoured release clause aswell I’d much prefer him to Maddison.

But so does loads of big clubs.