Brendan Rodgers likens ‘absolutely outstanding’ James Maddison to Kevin De Bruyne

Brendan Rodgers likened James Maddison’s quality to that of Kevin De Bruyne following Leicester’s 2-0 win at Fulham.

Leicester took the lead in the 17th minute with a well-crafted move from Maddison as the England international became a focal point for his side’s attacking threat during the first half.

The 24-year-old sent a well-timed cross into the box which was headed past Alphonse Areola by Kelechi Iheanacho, before turning provider for James Justin to round the keeper and tap home to finish a another fine move.

James Maddison has been compared to Kevin De Bruyne after claiming two assists at Fulham

In the absence of striker Jamie Vardy, the Foxes had earned just one point from matches against Everton and Leeds, but they bounced back at Craven Cottage, with Maddison a key part of their dominance.

‘He’s (Maddison) got immense quality, the cross that comes in, if it was Kevin De Bruyne everyone would be talking about it, an unbelievable cross,’ said Rodgers.

‘He’s created lots of moments for the team and we haven’t quite got the finish… his skill on the edge of the box for the second goal, he is an absolutely outstanding young player and I am so happy he plays in my team.’

After a disappointing week for Fulham where crucial games at Brighton and West Brom ended in draws, Scott Parker’s men remain without a win in 11 league matches since the reverse fixture in November when Fulham won 2-1 at the King Power Stadium.

‘I thought we huffed and puffed tonight in both boxes really,’ Parker said.

Brendan Rodgers hailed the playmaker as he helped Leicester to all three points at Fulham

‘The key moments were their quality in the attacking third for their goals. A good finish and then the detail in their counter-attack in terms of the decisions they made against a very good team and top players.

‘We wasn’t able to take out moments, not with shots just the final details, I thought we created very well but fell a little bit short tonight.

‘Endeavour and work-rate, a good performance in certain aspects of our games, but we understand what we need to do and we need to start winning some football matches and this one’s now gone.

‘We’re at the stage in the season where there’s one clear focus and one clear objective and that’s to win games and we’ve fallen short against a very good side tonight and we now move on and look towards the weekend.’