Maddison: A Century Of Goalscoring Chances
Not since Everton’s Leighton Baines in 2012/13 had an Englishman created 100 or more goalscoring opportunities in the Premier League, underlining the key role the No.10 played during his maiden City campaign.
Often deployed in behind striker Jamie Vardy, Maddison successfully forged a link between City’s attackers, midfielders and advancing full-backs, scoring seven goals and assisting a further seven.
Following a look at Kasper Schmeichel and Ricardo Pereira’s contributions in 2018/19, LCFC.com next assesses Maddison’s efforts.
A trio of free-kicks
Maddison's Fine 2018/19 Campaign
Watch some of the best moments from James Maddison's maiden season as a Fox.
Goals scored: 7
Premier League (midfielders) standing: =8
LCFC standing: 2
The England Under-21s international scored three goals in his first six Premier League appearances, with his first coming on his home debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers – a well-placed finish on Filbert Way.
Maddison’s strike against Watford in December, meanwhile, was a particularly impressive one, as he controlled Marc Albrighton’s pass and took three touches before slamming a volley into the back of the net.
Included in his seven strikes were three direct free-kicks, twice against Huddersfield Town and once against Burnley – the most out of any player in the Premier League.
Rúben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Lucas Digne (Everton), James Ward Prowse (Southampton) and Granit Xhaka (Arsenal) all scored twice from dead-ball situations.
The creator
Assists registered: 7
Premier League (midfielders) standing: =7
LCFC standing: 1
Having recorded eight assists during the 2017/18 Championship campaign for Norwich City, Maddison’s creativity shone through the following season after making the step up to England’s top tier.
He set up seven goals for the Foxes, including a neat pass for Jamie Vardy’s winner at Chelsea in December, and a brilliant pin-point delivery for Youri Tielemans’ opener against Arsenal in April.
Since City’s return to the Premier League in 2014, only Riyad Mahrez (2015/16 and 2017/18) and Jamie Vardy (2014/15) have bettered Maddison’s 2018/19 record of seven assists.
Maddison, meanwhile, was the joint fourth-highest Englishman in the assist ranks behind Trent Alexander-Arnold (12), Raheem Sterling (10) and Callum Wilson (nine).
Threaded through
Through balls played: 22
Premier League standing: =4
LCFC standing: 1
As soon as Maddison receives the ball in an advanced position, he instinctively gets his head up in an attempt to pick out one of his Leicester City team-mates.
His 22 through balls played in 2018/19 sees him placed joint-fourth in the Premier League rankings, with Chelsea’s David Luiz (41) and Jorginho (34) and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Christian Eriksen (24) completing the top three.
Alongside his pass into the path of Jamie Vardy at Chelsea, Maddison also set up City’s No.9 with a through ball during the 3-1 win over Fulham in March.
Into the box
Crosses made: 205
Premier League standing: 5
LCFC standing: 1
Only four Premier League players made more crosses than Maddison last term – a stat which further highlights the 22-year-old’s positivity.
Goals than came directly as a result of Maddison’s crosses include Harry Maguire’s header against Newcastle United, Wes Morgan’s goal versus Wolverhampton Wanderers and Youri Tielemans’ effort against Arsenal.