JAMES MADDISON is heading to the Qatar World Cup as part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad having statistically proven to be the Three Lions’ best playmaker.
The Leicester midfielder, 25, hasn’t played for his country since his debut in the 7-0 win over Montenegro in 2019.
He missed out at Euro 2020 and was snubbed in the last two international breaks.
But the all important phone call from Southgate to tell Maddison he’ll be on the plane to Qatar came after he played a part in 27 goals in 2022.
Ten of those goal contributions have come in the 2022-23 season, proving to be England‘s best playmaker.
When compared to Three Lions team-mates Mason Mount, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish, Maddison has the best goals and assists stats per 90.
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The Foxes ace registers 0.81 goals + assists per 90 with his nearest rival this term being Manchester City‘s Foden on 0.79.
Maddison also creates the most chances in a game, including assists.
He creates 2.77 chances every 90 mins, 0.26 ahead of Grealish.
Natural wingers Sterling, Saka and Rashford dominate in the dribbling department.
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But Maddison pegs his England team-mates back by registering 3.34 shots per 90.
Maddison has also played 6.6 passes into the opposition box-a-game, the highest out of England effective forward-thinking players.
Leicester will be hoping Maddison’s big news will see the midfielder put West Ham to the sword on Saturday.
The Foxes have seen an uptake in form recently, picking up 13 points since the start of October.
Maddison missed Southgate’s initial call before Leicester training.
Boss Brendan Rodgers sent his player into his office to take in the news and shortly after Maddison returned to the pitch beaming.
Rodgers said: “He had a missed call from Gareth just before training.
“I said to him to pop into my office and make the call. He spoke to him and then came out full of joy of the world. It was a great moment.”
Rodgers added: “It’s wonderful news for James and his family. I’m delighted for Gareth to have that talent available.
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“His level and consistency and his work ethic, and what he has proven over this last year, he’s shown he’s one of the best players in the Premier League.
“Credit to him and his team-mates, he wouldn’t be able to get there without them.”
