29 September 2023 , 18:00
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Both Arsenal and Liverpool snubbed moves for James Maddison during the summer because he is an "endangered species", according to Jamie Carragher.
England international Maddison made a £40million move from relegated Leicester City to Tottenham Hotspur and has made an outstanding start to life in North London. Having taken the No.10 shirt left behind by Harry Kane following his move to Bayern Munich, Maddison has been an integral part of Ange Postecoglou's new-look side.
Maddison teed up both goals in last weekend's 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates, and Spurs come up against Jurgen Klopp's Reds on Saturday. Both the Gunners and Liverpool made big signings in midfield over the summer, but neither moved for Maddison. Carragher believes that the reason these clubs did not pursue Maddison is due to his role on the pitch, which is becoming less favoured among top managers.
"Maddison excels most as an out-and-out No.10. Over the last six years - or certainly since Pep Guardiola's 4-3-3 began dominating world football such players are an endangered species." Carragher wrote in his Telegraph column.
He continued: "My suspicion is that Guardiola, Klopp, Mikel Arteta and Mauricio Pochettino took a look at Maddison and were swayed more by what he does not do more than his qualities."
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"In their best sides, Guardiola and Klopp expect multi-faceted attacking players or midfielders to assume the responsibility of those who once placed themselves just behind the main striker.
"Maddison is not the quickest, nor does he stand-out as someone who will trigger a high-pressing game. He does not have the natural athleticism of a No.8, and he is less effective playing as a wide attacker cutting inside."
"He shines knitting midfield and attack, deceptively quick in possession and technically superb at quickly seeing and delivering a defence-splitting pass."
Spurs host Liverpool on Saturday night as they look to make it five wins from their opening seven league games. Both sides are unbeaten in the Premier League thus far.
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