Simon Jordan has said that Leicester City midfielder James Maddison has ‘all the talent to go up a level’ and sign for Tottenham or Arsenal, as he told talkSPORT.
The former Crystal Palace owner was debating whether Maddison is worthy of playing for a team higher up in the Premier League.
Leicester, whilst they have competed in Europe for a number of years before, are now struggling at the bottom of the table under Brendan Rodgers.
Last time out, they lost 6-2 at Spurs, with Maddison scoring a brilliant first-time finish to level the scores at the time.
The England hopeful has seen his name linked with Tottenham before, whilst Arsenal are stacked in that department after adding Fabio Vieira to their squad in the summer.
But is Maddison ready to make that step up? Whilst Jordan was unsure at first, he does think he is worthy of playing for a couple of teams near the top.
“You can only judge these players when they are playing amongst the best sides,” said Jordan. “Once upon a time, not so long ago, Leicester were a top-six side.
“He’s a very good player. If you listen to the Danny Murphy’s of the world, who I would bow to the knowledge on, because they have played in that position. He thinks he’s a top-six player.
“I think it could be argued he could play in some of the top-six sides. I don’t think he gets into Man City’s side. But there are a lot of players who play in the top-six, who couldn’t get into Man City’s side. I am not sure he could play in Liverpool’s side, so that’s two out of the equation.
“But I think he could play in Tottenham’s side. He could play in Arsenal’s side, if they are considered a top-six side, instead of the temporary position they are in now and that might not be the long-term position they stay in.
“He’s a good player. I think he’s maturing. There is now less Jack-dash about him and sort of smug David Bentley sort of attitude I felt he had at one point. I think James Maddison has all the talent to go up a level and go into a big six club and perform at that level.”
MADDISON MORE NEEDED AT SPURS THAN ARSENAL
Mikel Arteta has a host of playmakers of quick-thinking and attacking mindsets to choose from, so Maddison isn’t needed for them.
They perhaps need his club teammate, Youri Tielemans, who is a more rounded number eight and someone who dictates games, rather than attacks pockets of spaces in the final third as well as the penalty area.
But Tottenham, who have four defensive-minded midfielders, need a player like Maddison all day long.
As he showed against Spurs last time out, his ability and attacking threat in the final third would elevate Spurs, not forgetting he would complement the likes of Pierre Emile Hojbjerg in the middle of the park.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
