James Maddison reveals Jamie Vardy link up convinced him to join Leciester

Jamie Maddison reveals it was the prospect of linking up with Jamie Vardy that helped make his mind up about joining Leicester.

The Foxes beat competition from Premier League rivals to sign the highly-rated Maddison from Norwich in a £24million deal in 2018.

The midfielder has since developed into one of the most talented young players in the league and has earned England recognition under Gareth Southgate.

James Maddison has spoken about what motivated him to join Leicester two years ago

He believes his game has come on since Brendan Rodgers arrived last year, but credits Vardy with bringing him to the King Power Stadium in the first place.

He told  told the Gary Newbon Sports Show: ‘It’s lovely for me, being an attacking midfield player. 

‘I know the type of player I am and I’ve watched Jamie Vardy in the Premier League for a number of years now. 

‘I knew me and him would compliment each other and I really hoped we’d build a relationship on and off the pitch. 

Maddison in high spirits on the training ground ahead of the Premier League restart

Maddison celebrates scoring at Anfield in a 2-1 defeat for Leicester against Liverpool

‘We’re very good friends off the pitch and it shows off the pitch, we’re on the same wavelength. In training we’ve worked hard on stuff.

‘As an attacking midfield player what you want from your striker is a willing runner, someone who can score goals and someone who listens to what you want as well. He ticks all three boxes.’

Maddison was brought to Leicester by former boss Claude Puel two years ago now, but he believes his game is coming on leaps and bounds now he is working under Rodgers.

The former Liverpool manager left Celtic midway through last season to take up the hotseat in the east midlands, and has guided Leicester back into Champions League contention. 

Maddison reavealed the prospect of playing with Jamie Vardy convinced him to join Leicester

Maddison admits that Brendan Rodgers has helped make him a better player at the club

‘I feel like a more all-rounded player now’, Maddison admitted. ‘I feel now playing as a No 8 in a 4-3-3, I feel much better defensively, much better tactically. 

‘He’s spent time teaching me the tactical side of the game. I think Brendan Rodgers really gets satisfaction from watching his players grow and learn and the better we become the happier it makes him. 

‘He’s hard on us but nurtures us at the same time. I only feel like I’m better and stronger the more I work with him.’

The Gary Newbon Sports Show, with @Punching.TV, and in association with MailOnline Sport, will be streamed live every Thursday #GNSS