Pep Guardiola has labelled Tottenham Hotspur transfer target James Maddison as a ‘master’ for his quality in dead-ball situations.
Over the weekend, Manchester City recorded a narrow 1-0 win over Brendan Rodgers Leicester City, with Maddison failing to add to the six Premier League goals he has scored this season.
There’s no doubt that heading into the weekend game, Guardiola would have highlighted the sought-after midfielder as the danger man for his side.
One of the areas the 25-year-old has excelled at is free-kicks, but whilst he wasn’t able to deliver the goods against Man City, a certain Kevin de Bruyne provided the Englishman with a taste of his own medicine.
It was the Belgium international’s stunning free-kick that separated the two sides, with his goal kissing the underside of the crossbar before hitting the back of the net.
Nonetheless, when talking about Man City trying to stop Leicester City’s threats during their win over the weekend, Guardiola mentioned Maddison’s qualities, as he told BT Sport.
“We aren’t an exceptional team for the runners in-behind or the runners for the second action,” said Guardiola. “That’s why you have to be patient and don’t get frustrated.
“Don’t concede the counter-attacks. Do not give the free-kicks or the corners. Maddison is a master in this position, but we defend it really well.”
SPURS NEED A MADDISON
Back in September, when Spurs smashed Leicester 6-2 on home soil, Maddison was perhaps his side’s standout performer.
He scored a brilliant goal during that game to showcase that he is more than good enough to sit in Tottenham’s midfield and elevate them from an attacking sense.
That creative spark, the ability to pick pockets and attack the penalty area is what’s needed at Hotspur Way.
But whilst Tottenham also have their eyes on the player, so do high-flying Newcastle United, who are sitting in the Champions League places along with Spurs, at this moment in time.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
