Rodgers Hails ‘Absolutely Brilliant’ Maddison Amid England Talk

Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has heaped praise on England World Cup hopeful James Maddison after he helped them end their winless run with Monday’s 4-0 rout of Nottingham Forest.

The Foxes moved off the foot of the table with the emphatic win with Maddison netting two goals and getting the assist for another.

The 25-year-old midfielder, who has been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle United in January, missed out on selection in England’s latest squad, making him unlikely for Qatar.

But he offered England boss Gareth Southgate a timely reminder of his quality, earning praise from Rodger

“He’s one of the top players in the country,” Rodgers said. “It’s such a shame he isn’t able to demonstrate that at the highest level so I can only pray for him that he gets an opportunity to at least be in the squad. To have a player like that, he’s fantastic.”

Rodgers added on Sky Sports: “It is a really difficult job being a manager… It is such a shame I think for the country and for the boy himself. You see his talent and his performance level for the last 18 months is clear. I think it is only Harry Kane who has been involved in more goals among English players.

“He is an absolutely brilliant player and I really hope over the next few months he can continue the form he has shown for the past 18 months and can somehow get into the team because if you want creativity, personality, he has improved the defensive side of his game, he can play in a couple of positions and for me, he is an absolutely outstanding player.

“He is up there, and I love Phil Foden, Mason Mount, those boys that play there. Jack Grealish is different as he is more from the side. But Madders can play in a number of positions to a high level. He showed that tonight.”

Meanwhile, on Maddison’s mooted move to Newcastle, the player told Sky Sports: “I made it clear to the board I wanted to join Newcastle (in the last transfer window), but the club weren’t willing to let me leave. I will give my all for Leicester and see what happens in January.”