James Maddison

[braineclipse]

I agree. With this sort of player, it is all very well delivering the killer pass, his team-mates have to spot it coming as well and get on the end of it. So, like most players, he plays better when surrounded by better players.
I had high hopes for Lamela when he first joined because he looked good sliding in through balls, but the forwards didn't always see the pass or make the run. He obviously never fulfilled his potential with us, and I fear Maddison won't either. Leaving aside Lamela's injury problems, I think Maddison and Lamela are on a par, and that includes acting as lightning rods for the ire of the opposition fans.

Lamela is an interesting comparison in this case. For me Lamela was always one who tried to take responsibility, but too often failed to execute.

When that team was flying there were multiple players who took responsibility and creative responsibility. Eriksen and Kane of course, but also Alli, Dembele, the centre backs and full backs (in various ways).

For me it seems we're too often in a situation where if Maddison doesn't successfully take that responsibility no one else does either. Some try, but are too often unsuccessful (imo a bit like Lamela). Others don't even really try and are happy to pass the responsibility by making the obvious, fairly safe pass to someone else.