Nick Pope has lauded Newcastle United transfer target James Maddison and stated that the England World Cup star is ‘right at the top of his game’, as he told talkSPORT.
The Leicester City playmaker made a late surge into Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but is an injury doubt for the opening game against Iran on Monday.
Despite missing training in recent days, Pope shared that the goalscoring midfielder is in ‘good spirits’ and is just itching to get back out on the turf.
Maddison is probably one of the most in-form players in the England squad right now, alongside the Newcastle United trio of Pope, Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson.
With seven Premier League goals to his game this season, only Harry Kane is performing better, as Pope praised his national teammate.
“He’s in good spirits,” said Pope. “He wants to be out there training more than anyone, so he will be with us soon, I am sure.
“He wants to have an impact on this World Cup. He’s come in really good form. I have been watching him from a distance and he’s really right at the top of his game.”
SOON TO BE A CLUB TEAMMATE?
Newcastle will be sitting in the Champions League places at Christmas and only Arsenal are flying higher than Eddie Howe’s side, in terms of form, mood and hope around the camp.
But could they be adding Maddison to their ranks during the January transfer window? Or next summer? There is talk of Newcastle’s interest, but it seems as though Maddison isn’t pushing for a move during the winter transfer window.
Either way, if the Leicester star continues his form from the Premier League to the World Cup stage, then his profile will go through the roof post-World Cup.
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