Boubakary Soumare has backed Leicester team-mate James Maddison to earn a place in England’s World Cup squad, calling him a ‘great midfielder’.
The 25-year-old has enjoyed a wonderful campaign from a personal perspective, scoring five goals and registering two assists for the Foxes in the Premier League this season.
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There are growing calls for Maddison to be part of the World Cup squad
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Maddison has five goals and two assists in the Premier League this season
Maddison is a character both on and off the pitch with Soumare saying he’s really funny
As Brendan Rodgers’ team struggles at the foot of the table, Maddison has been a rare ray of sunshine at King Power Stadium with his love of darts and his even greater love of performing WWE moves in his backyard, with fellow midfielder Soumare hailing his team-mate for the role he plays on and off the pitch.
Speaking to talkSPORT.com, Soumare said: “I don’t think I can add anything to the virtues and the way people talk about James Maddison.
“Obviously he’s a fantastic player for us, he creates a lot for us as a player on the pitch and he’s a great midfielder.
“Off the pitch he’s a great guy too. He’s really funny and we get along really really well, but I could say that about all my team-mates.
“It’s a great group of lads here at Leicester and it’s fun to be with them and we all get along really well.”
Maddison’s recent form has sparked much debate over whether he should be included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
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Soumare was speaking to talkSPORT.com about his Leicester team-mate
Maddison has previously posted footage of him performing WWE moves in his backyard
The midfielder doesn’t take himself too seriously, something Soumare loves
According to Soumoure, he is definitely someone who is good enough to make a real impression on the world stage.
When asked if he should be on the plane, Soumare replied: “Without a doubt.
“He has all the qualities and all the ability to get to the World Cup and play for England in the World Cup, but ultimately it’s the coach who decides.
“I think he has everything to deserve to be there, that’s for sure.”
Maddison is set to feature for Leicester when they host Crystal Palace this weekend – live on talkSPORT – where they face the attacking talents of Wilfried Zaha, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise.
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Leicester have nothing to fear from Palace’s attacking talent, says Soumare
While Soumare admits the Foxes need to be wary of their threat, he is also keen on Leicester causing their own problems.
He said: “It’s about sticking together and being strong as a team and making sure we’re compact and hard to beat.
“We cannot forget that we also have to use our strengths.
“We are a great unit with fantastic players and we shouldn’t be afraid of anyone.
“We shouldn’t fear anyone in this league and we have to be true to ourselves and show our strengths.”
Leicester’s clash with Crystal Palace is exclusively live on talkSPORT on Saturday lunchtime with commentary from Sam Matterface and former England defender Stuart Pearce.
