Jamie Carragher has been impressed with the performances of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison so far this term, but he believes the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool did not bother about signing him because he excels most as an out-and-out number 10.
The England international was linked with a couple of top clubs after Leicester City got relegated at the end of last term, but it was Spurs who splashed £45 million on his services.
Maddison has hit the ground running under manager Ange Postecoglou at the North London club, with two goals and four assists to his name after six Premier League games.
However, Carragher believes Mikel Arteta, Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola are no longer fans of his type of player as the current style of play and tactics have made the number 10 role redundant.
“His throwback style extends to his on-field role,” the Sky Sports pundit told the Telegraph.
“With the utmost respect to Maddison and Spurs, it explains why his options during the summer did not include Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.
“I have no doubt all watched him for Leicester and at some point over the last three years considered signing him. The reason they said no is because Maddison’s most effective position is unfashionable for elite coaches.
“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.”
Maddison is not the most athletic or fastest player there is, and with more managers demanding more from players without the ball, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal or Liverpool would appreciate such a player.
The Gunners were happy to let go of Mesut Ozil while the Reds wasted no time agreeing to sell Coutinho to Barcelona once they were offered the big bucks.
Maddison is similar to the duo as he offers little off the ball and is not physical enough.
The Spurs star will be keen to prove himself at his new club and establish himself as one of the best players in the Premier League.
Maddison has often struggled to play regularly for England due to his style of play, and whether he can force his way into the plans of manager Gareth Southgate remains to be seen.
Arsenal and Liverpool have started the campaign on an impressive note, and it is safe to say nothing would have improved about them if they had the former Leicester star within their ranks.
