OPINION
Liverpool should heed the gushing remarks of ex-Reds winger Jimmy Carter and swiftly swoop for Leicester City playmaker James Maddison.
The 53-year-old, who played four times for the Reds, may not have had the most successful spell at Anfield during his playing career, to say the least, but his transfer advice for Jurgen Klopp’s side is spot-on.
Carter claimed he personally believes it’s worth the Reds paying £100million to get Maddison from Leicester City as the 22-year-old attacking midfielder would be an instant success and add a creative spark to Klopp’s current midfield.
“He would be a remarkable player in that position for Liverpool, I would love to see him slot into that midfield,” said Carter on Love Sport Radio.
“As what you’ve got is the likes of Fabinho, Henderson, more holding players not known for their creativity although Henderson is now showing more creativity than he has done in the past.
“But for me James Maddison just fits, just seems like a perfect fit for Liverpool at this current time and he has made amazing progress in terms of where he now sits as a footballer.
“He had an amazing season last year and for me, if Liverpool were to get him, they’re talking £70m-£75million for him, but I would pay £100million to get him into the midfield at Liverpool as he’d be an instant success.”
Carter is spot-on to claim Maddison would thrive at Anfield and it’s clear to see he would be an improvement on the squad’s current options ahead of the new season.
The 22-year-old, who earns £55,000-a-week (Source: Spotrac), was involved with 27% of Leicester’s Premier League goals in his 2018/19 campaign as he scored seven while racking up seven assists in his 36 outings.
In fact, Maddison was so creative for the Foxes in the Premier League in their latest season, he ended up ranking sixth for most big chances created as he carved out 13.
While Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson carved out more big chances, it’s worth noting that none of the Reds’ current midfield options were ahead of him.
Carter opted to compare Maddison with Henderson and Fabinho, acknowledging the English man was more creative when playing further forward near the end of the campaign, but it would make more sense to compare him to Adam Lallana.
The pair are both attacking midfielders, and it’s clear to see the Foxes playmaker would be an upgrade on Lallana based on the latest season.
The 31-year-old Reds playmaker once again struggled with injuries, and managed to feature only 16 times across all competitions; with him not scoring or registering an assist.
Lallana’s 2017/18 campaign was also affected by injury, and it’s worth pointing out that in his 12 league appearances in that season, he once again ended without a goal or assist to his name.
While an injury-free Lallana can cause damage, he was involved in 15 goals in 35 outings in the 2016/17 season, it would be better to have Maddison on the books instead of him; as you know the 22-year-old is more likely to stay fit as he doesn’t have a worrying track record with injury.
So with that in mind, the Reds should pay attention to Carter’s advice on this occasion and make a move for Maddison.
After all, it’s not like they’re not aware of the 22-years-old’s talent as Sky Sports previously reported that Liverpool had scouted him ahead of his move to Leicester City.
