‘To play with them guys’: James Maddison delivers verdict on Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane

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James Maddison has bigged up Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka and Tottenham striker Harry Kane after playing alongside the duo for England.

The Leicester City playmaker added that players like Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane bring the best out of him and he knew that they would ‘make me better’.

On Sunday, for the first time in his career, James Maddison was handed a start by Gareth Southgate, as he played alongside the north London duo in a front three for England during their Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine.

The all-action midfielder didn’t get on the scoresheet, but he did produce a very solid display and even Bukayo Saka felt that he was ‘deserving’ of a goal.

Nonetheless, it was Saka and Kane stealing the headlines instead with their link-up play, especially for the first half, before the Hale-End star’s stunning effort after the Tottenham man’s opener – Gary Lineker lauded both players.

Gareth Southgate is blessed with some serious attacking quality and it’s fair to say that Maddison loves playing with them, as he told talkSPORT.

“It was really good (playing alongside Kane and Saka),” said Maddison. “They are top players.

“Me and Hendo (Jordan Henderson) were joking with Bukayo that it was all in the assist and my run. Nothing to do with the finish.

“But what a goal, eh?! He’s such a good player. We see it week in and week out in the Premier League. For such a young man, he’s got what I would describe as a calm presence on the pitch. He doesn’t get flustered and that’s why he is firing on all cylinders at the top of the Premier League.

“Him and Harry (Kane) are brilliant and top players. Just the chance to play with them guys. I know it would bring the best out of me and make me even better.”

LONDON CALLING

The Leicester star’s contract is running down and there is a high chance he leaves during the summer transfer window, especially with his contract having less than 18 months left to run.

But could Maddison be heading to London? There is interest from Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in the goalscoring midfielder, as reported by 90min in February.

Although they aren’t the only ones, because Spurs have also previously been admirers of the quick-thinking midfielder – back in February, Dean Jones claimed they are keen on the former Norwich City star for this summer.