Jose Enrique has claimed that Liverpool should have signed James Maddison from Leicester City this summer.
Writing on Twitter, Enrique suggested that Maddison would have been ‘the perfect No.8’ for Liverpool.
“He will have been the perfect number 8 for us in the summer. What a player,” wrote the former Reds defender.
Maddison was in great form for his club last night. The 25-year-old scored two goals and claimed an assist as Leicester beat Nottingham Forest 4-0.
Maddison keeping Leicester afloat
Maddison’s contributions last night put him at five goals at two assists in the Premier League now this season. Given that last night was Leicester’s first win of the campaign, that’s pretty good going.
The Englishman’s form has led to calls that he should be included in his country’s World Cup squad this winter.
It has also shone a light on Leicester’s decision to turn down bids from Newcastle United this summer. According to The Daily Mail, the Foxes were asking for somewhere in the region of £60m to let Maddison go.
On the back of his recent form, and given their position in the table so far, that looks like a fair valuation.
Now, for Liverpool, that is surely way too pricey. Yes, Maddison is playing well and is capable of moments of magic. But is he good enough for a supposed title-chasing team? The jury is very much out.
At twenty-five, the former Norwich City man has never played at the top level. Despite continuous calls to be included in England squads, Gareth Southgate has never been convinced by Maddison.
No one is putting Southgate up as the best judge of talent. His treatment of Trent Alexander-Arnold shows he has certain blind spots. But after several years of impressing in the Premier League with no England call, something seems amiss.
From Maddison’s point of view, there looks to be no doubt he’d relish a move to Liverpool. Last season he hailed the Anfield atmosphere as being ‘the best in England.’ Whether or not the Reds would see him as a good addition though, is up for debate.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
