Aston Villa and Birmingham City both knew of James Maddison’s talents when he was a youngster.
Maddison’s talent was known around the Midlands area during his younger years, and Villa and Birmingham had both taken notice.
However, Maddison decided against moving for either Villa or Blues in favour of playing for Coventry City.
The attacking midfielder felt he would get more game time at Coventry than at either of the higher profile pair.
“There were lads from where I was from in Coventry who were at Aston Villa and Birmingham,” he said.
“They were good players but the opportunities were more limited. I was on the bench at Coventry as a 16-year-old. That was invaluable experience. I was just a little boy amongst the men in League One.”
Maddison’s decision looks to have been the correct one now, as he has developed into a wonderful player.
The England youth international impressed at Coventry, before earning a move to Norwich and he is now playing for Leicester City.
Maddison has looked perfectly at home since making a £22 million (London Evening Standard) move to the Premier League.
And Villa and Birmingham may be wishing he came through their academy system now.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
