Rodgers explains why ‘outstanding’ Maddison has been best Leicester player this season
Brendan Rodgers has hailed James Maddison as the best player for Leicester City for efficiency this season after he capped off a “really dominant” second-half performance against Norwich City.
Leicester are playing for pride in what remains of the season, but they had a fair amount to celebrate against Norwich. They beat the relegated side 3-0 thanks to a brace from Jamie Vardy and a Maddison goal against his former club.
They all came in the second half, but it had been a comfortable evening for the Foxes. Indeed, they had more than twice as many shots as Norwich.
As a result of their win, they have moved to 10th in the table. It is not quite the same as the territory they have been in over the past couple of seasons, but finishing in the top half would be a positive.
For Rodgers, the improvements they made between the two halves against Norwich were pleasing to see.
He told BBC Sport: “We gave up too much space in the first half, we were not aggressive enough in our pressing.
“We changed the structure of our team and from the first kick in the second half we were really dominant. We scored good goals and the intensity was there. A good performance and a clean sheet.”
The manager also used the word “outstanding” to describe both of his goalscorers. In fact, he went even further for Maddison, who he feels has been their most efficient player.
On Vardy, Rodgers began: “He was outstanding tonight, his physicality, his running and pressing. The second goal was classic really. We worked it really well. Jamie does what he does.”
Then, for the midfielder, he added: “James Maddison scored a really good goal; he was outstanding this evening.
“Maddison has been our best player this season in terms of his efficiency. He had a spell out of the team but since he has come back everything about his game has improved over time. He was outstanding. Really pleased for him.”
Brendan Rodgers explains Fofana absence
One player who was not involved was defender Wesley Fofana. He missed much of the season through injury, so his absence could have been a concern.
But Rodgers revealed it is nothing major and was a precautionary measure.
He explained: “Tight calf. Quick turnaround in games. His calf was a little tight and we felt it was too much of a risk.
“He will be fit for the weekend.”
On Sunday, Leicester will be away at Watford for a 2pm kick-off.
READ MORE: Chelsea transfer news: Report rates chances of Wesley Fofana signing as Rudiger replacement
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