Leicester City attacking midfielder James Maddison is one of the top-rated young English players. The team relies on him for creating chances from the middle of the park. This season, there is already a media suggestion that he is not as effective as he was last season.
When looking at the above charts, the general rule is that the longer the bar the better the performance – you can see the league average in the middle and the % is the percentile rank the player is in. These two visuals are from the previous season and this season.
Last season Maddison was ranked high in attempting shots during the match. He averaged three shots per game and kept the keeper on his toes. This season the shot attempts have been less than most of the league players and averages less than a shot per game.
Looking at the viz we can see a huge comparison in his attacking approach. The dribbles have been less along with offensive duels and attacking actions. Last year he averaged more than 50% of the players, but this season he is in the below 25%. His overall attacking actions are way down.
Maddison averages fewer passes this season and the accuracy is quite low when compared to other players. The stats are lower this season, but we can say that this is just the start of the season and it is, therefore, a smaller sample size. He has kept less possession and therefore created fewer chances.
Another reason behind Maddison’s lesser contribution towards attack is his defensive work this season. Maddison has been one of the best defensive duels winners this season. His percentile is also high in the defensive actions. This could be partly down to the start Leicester have had this season – unable to dominate teams yet like they would normally hope to.
If we look at the locations of passes received, we can clearly see that he has played more towards the left side and has dropped deeper a lot. Maddison is known for his shots ability, but this season he has not received enough outside the box. Therefore he has very few shot attempts this season. He has been good with his defensive work in the middle of the park.
When we look at the passes he attempted this season, a lot of balls that were attempted into the opposition box were from a deeper position. Most of the passes were backwards and sideways and few of the passes were into the box.
Maddison’s stats this season are not as impressive when we look at the attacking side. Defensively there is a huge work rate and he has won a lot of duels. Leicester will hope that their star player will create more attacking threat as the season progresses.
