Controversial pundit Graeme suggests James Maddison should be picked over Jude Bellingham.
Former Liverpool captain and now pundit Graeme Souness has made a bold claim, drawing comparisons between Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and his compatriot, James Maddison, who plays for Tottenham.
The pair were fielded from the start in England’s 1-1 draw against Ukraine. Maddison was a victim of a squad shake-up as a consequence of the draw in the Three Lions’ next match; Bellingham, on the other hand, shone in a 3-1 victory over Scotland.
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The former Dortmund man scored and assisted in the victory against the Scots, while the former Leicester midfielder was an unused substitute. A decision that irked Souness.
What Souness said
Bellingham started in the number 10 position—flanked by Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden—Maddison’s preferred position on the pitch.
Souness believes there is space for both players to function in the same starting 11 for England, but suggests that if there is only slot for one, Maddison should get the nod.
The retired footballer argued that the 26-year-old had superior numbers and even accused England boss Gareth Southgate of only picking Bellingham because he plays for Los Blancos.
"I’m an enormous fan of James Maddison," Souness said, per Goal.
"I think there’s room for Maddison and Bellingham in this midfield. A few years ago, going back to the Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, the golden generation, I think these are as well."
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"This is a team that should be winning trophies, I really do. If you look at Maddison’s numbers, his stats, scoring goals and creating chances, you compare him with Bellingham, he out-shoots Bellingham all over the park, he’s far better than Bellingham at creating chances and scoring goals."
"And yet he’s choosing Bellingham because he plays for Real Madrid - but I’ll also say there’s room for both of them in this midfield. I think this England team that I watch, frustrates me slightly because they’re playing with the handbrake on."
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