Tottenham Hotspur signed James Maddison from Leicester City during the summer transfer window.
The 26-year-old has hit the ground running at his new club and he has already established himself as a key member of the starting lineup.
The England international has two goals and four assists to his name in six league matches and he was outstanding in the recent north London derby against Arsenal.
There is no doubt that Maddison has established himself as one of the best players at Tottenham and he has previously shown his quality with Leicester City as well.
However, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes that the 26-year-old is not good enough to play for clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool.
He revealed to the Telegraph that managers like Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp will have looked at the player and decided not to sign him because of the things he does not do on the pitch as opposed to his qualities.
Carragher also added that clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool sign multi-faceted attacking players but Maddison can be one-dimensional. He added that the Tottenham player is not the quickest and he might not be suited to a high-pressing game either because of his lack of natural athleticism.
He said: “His throwback style extends to his on-field role. With the utmost respect to Maddison and Spurs, it explains why his options during the summer did not include Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.
“I have no doubt all watched him for Leicester and at some point over the last three years considered signing him. The reason they said no is because Maddison’s most effective position is unfashionable for elite coaches. “
“In their best sides, Guardiola and Klopp expect multi-faceted attacking players or midfielders to assume the responsibility of those who once placed themselves just behind the main striker.
“Maddison is not the quickest, nor does he stand-out as someone who will trigger a high-pressing game. He does not have the natural athleticism of a number 8, and he is less effective playing as a wide attacker cutting inside.”
Regardless of what Carragher thinks of Maddison, he is undoubtedly one of the best attacking midfielders in the league right now and he will be hoping to prove his critics wrong by continuing his rich vein of form in the coming months.
