The performances of Leicester City’s James Maddison have caused quite a stir so far this season with many now calling for him to be on the plane to Qatar. And, whilst the mercurial talent is overperforming his underlying numbers, Maddison has certainly been the shining light amongst the Leicester ranks this season.
But has he been good enough to warrant a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad?
Well, at the time of writing, Maddison has the joint sixth most goals in the English Premier League so far this season; sitting level with the likes of Phil Foden and Roberto Firmino.
In fact, this makes Maddison the joint third highest English goal scorer in the division. Not bad going considering the quality of the side he’s been playing in.
Maddison is in the 97th percentile of attacking midfielders/wingers when it comes to non-penalty goals per 90 at 0.54 (meaning that only one percent of players in his role can better that statistic).
The Leicester man also takes 2.79 shots per 90, a very impressive figure that shows he is not afraid to pull the trigger.
These stats paint the picture of a man at the peak of his powers and one who could offer a real goal threat in an England side which finished bottom of their UEFA Nations League group, scoring a meagre four goals in six matches.
However, Maddison seems to be on a hot-streak finishing wise as his non-penalty xG (expected goals) stands at 0.29 per 90 – still a respectable figure but lower than his actual goals tally.
Maddison is also not much of a dribbler, completing just 1.08 per 90. In an England side which often relies on moments of magic from the likes of Jack Grealish and Raheem Sterling, this could harm his chances.
Despite these potential deficiencies, James Maddison is in the form of his life right now and may never stand a better chance of adding to the singular senior international cap he gained in 2019. Do you think Gareth Southgate will pick the Leicester man? Or will he become yet another talent missing from the Qatar 2022 World Cup? Get in touch and let us know.
Should James Maddison be in the England World Cup 2022 squad?
Yes
No