Adrian Clarke runs the rule over summer signings he believes will make an impact for their new clubs in the Premier League.
James Maddison
Signing a 21-year-old with only one season of Championship experience might be seen as a gamble, but it seems wise for Leicester City to put their faith in James Maddison.
The former Norwich City star has the potential to become a huge player for the Foxes.
Midfield all-rounder
Despite limited previous experience at first-team level with Coventry City and a loan at Aberdeen, Maddison set the Championship alight in 2017/18.
He earned a place in the PFA Team of the Year after producing 14 goals and eight assists as a No 10.
Only two Championship players set up more chances per 90 minutes than Maddison did. He laid on 124 opportunities, the most in the division.
Riyad Mahrez, by comparison, was Leicester’s main creator but provided less than half of his new club-mate's total with 58.
Free-kick threat
Maddison’s accuracy from wide free-kicks and corners will be a huge asset to a Foxes side who scored 12 set-piece goals last term.
He created 44 chances from free-kicks and corners alone. The only player to supply more assists from dead balls was Barry Douglas, who will also be in the 2018/19 Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Where will he play?
The two players who operated behind Jamie Vardy most often for Leicester last season were Shinji Okazaki and Kelechi Iheanacho.
Both men performed well on occasions, but neither is a prolific scorer or creator of goals.
They produced a total of nine goals between them and made a collective five assists.
If Claude Puel picks Maddison, Leicester can increase their goal threat.
He scored four of his 14 goals from outside the penalty area last season, including two direct free-kicks, and was a good finisher when bursting into the area from deep.
Maddison also takes penalties, scoring four last term.
Maddison in 2017/18 Championship
| Maddison | League rank | |
|---|---|---|
| Chances created | 124 | 1 |
| Fouls won | 147 | 1 |
| Free-kick goals | 2 | 1= |
| Set-piece assists | 6 | 2= |
| Shots | 115 | 4 |
| Dribbles completed | 104 | 7 |
| Pass accuracy | 86% | 18 |
Huge potential
Young enough to develop his game over the course of his five-year contract, Maddison can help Leicester both in the present and the future.
They have certainly taken a chance on him, but based on his rapid progress to date, it looks to be a smart investment.
Maddison has the talent and potential to become a top Premier League performer for years to come.
