Peter Schmeichel has discussed James Maddison’s time at Leicester City following positive start to life at Tottenham
James Maddison’s actions at Leicester City have drawn criticism from Peter Schmeichel, who points out his diving and lack of teamwork as issues.
In Schmeichel’s opinion, Maddison must fulfil his responsibilities and put in a lot of effort if he is to flourish at Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou.
The Championship table success of Leicester City does not take away from the loss of Maddison’s calibre, especially in light of his stellar Spurs performances.
Peter Schmeichel has detailed how James Maddison upset him during the playmaker’s time at Leicester City.
Maddison was a key figure for the Foxes in recent seasons before making the big-money switch to Tottenham Hotspur last summer.
The 26-year-old left for a deal worth a reported £40 million, ending a five-year spell at the King Power Stadium.
For the most part of this time, Maddison and Peter’s son Kasper were teammates, and the two enjoyed great success with the squad, including an FA Cup victory in 2021.
Since joining Spurs, the England international has played well, although Schmeichel has voiced some worries about the player because of his time spent with Leicester.
What has Peter Schmeichel said about James Maddison?
Schmeichel, speaking for Premier League productions, has attacked Maddison’s past antics while he was a member of the Foxes, noting instances of diving and not always cooperating with the squad.
In order for the midfielder to succeed for the north London club, he thinks he must fulfil his role in Ange Postecoglou’s squad.
Schmeichel stated, “I believe Ange is the right manager [for Tottenham],” according to Leicestershire Live.
“He plays a football style that is incredibly appropriate for Maddison.
However, there are specifications. It takes a lot of labour. This team does not have any premium players.
“I considered him to be one of the best young players I had ever seen when he initially arrived in Leicester.
“He was so good, then at some point, it stagnated.
“He became somebody you got a little bit cross with.
“He wasn’t really working for the team. On the floor all the time, diving.
“Stuff that really upset me, in terms of what he needed to do for the team.
“With this football club, which is bigger than Leicester… The manager and the requirements… I think he has got a much better chance to fulfil that enormous potential that he has.”
Tottenham currently lead the way in the Premier League table, with goals scored separating them from second-place rivals Arsenal.
Maddison has contributed two goals and five assists from the opening eight Premier League games, playing a key role in the team’s rise to the top spot in the division.
Meanwhile, Leicester are top of the Championship table after the first 11 games.
The Foxes lead the way under new manager Enzo Maresca, with just two points separating the team from second place Ipswich Town.
Next up for Leicester is a trip to face Swansea City on 21 October
How much was Leicester City losing by selling James Maddison?
Even if Leicester has performed well this year and is leading the table, Maddison’s evident quality is lost, and it is a setback.
That was a direct result of the club being relegated; had they continued in the top division, he might still have been with them.
The Foxes have adapted well with the arrival of Maresca as manager, and Harry Winks has made a seamless transition going in the other direction from Spurs to Leicester in his place.
All it takes is looking at how well Maddison is performing for Spurs at the top of the Premier League table to realise just what Leicester lost with his departure, even if he was frustrating to watch at times.
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