Jermain Defoe has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane would want to play alongside the ‘so clever’ James Maddison for England at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as he told Premier League Productions (05/11/22 at 6:30 pm).
The Tottenham transfer target produced yet another outstanding showing in the Premier League on Saturday when Leicester City recorded a 2-0 win at Everton – Maddison assisted both goals.
Only Harry Kane has had more goal contributions than the 25-year-old since August 2021, which is some going given that Leicester have struggled for most of this season.
But that’s probably a reason why Antonio Cone wants to add the attacking midfielder to his ranks, because the combination of the two would be explosive.
That could, of course, happen on the international stage, that’s if Gareth Southgate decides to select Maddison for his upcoming World Cup squad.
During his playing days, Defoe has been part of many major tournaments, and he thinks Maddison simply has to be selected.
“Every game you watch him, we keeping saying ‘here is another good performance’,” said Defoe. “He’s so clever. Gets himself into positions just behind the midfield – every single game you see him, he gets better and better.
“But he has been the best player on the pitch. If we are basing on merit, then he should be going to the 2022 World Cup.
“Yes, it is surprising he only has one England cap. You look at the other players in that position, and we talk about stats and stuff, they don’t lie. It’s the consistency. That swagger he has got in big games. I don’t think it will faze him at a World Cup, whether it’s the quarter-final or semi-final. To get on the ball and create something out of nothing, he has that quality.
“For me, it’s simple. If you spoke to any centre-forward, whether that’s Harry Kane, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Tammy Abraham and Callum Wilson. And you said, ‘would you want him behind feeding you?’
“I can guarantee you, all those forwards would say yes, at a major tournament.”
MADDISON AND KANE WOULD COOK
Tottenham fans are dreaming at the thought of having a player of Maddison’s ilk in their team and midfield.
It’s perhaps the spark that is missing to knit everything together and bring that eye-catching quality fans are craving under Conte’s robust style.
Now, the Italian isn’t going to change for anyone, but someone like Maddison would certainly add spice to a Spurs side that are the third-highest scores in the Premier League, despite claims that they have been too negative.
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