Graeme Souness claims that Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison is a ‘far better’ goalscorer and creator than Jude Bellingham.
Souness spoke on Channel 4 ahead of England’s 3-1 victory over Scotland last night.
Maddison dropped to the bench after starting off the left-hand side against Ukraine on Saturday evening.
The Tottenham star cut a frustrated figure in an unfamiliar position and Gareth Southgate opted for a midfield three of Bellingham, Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips at Hampden Park last night.
But Souness believes Southgate should be playing both Bellingham and Maddison in the middle of the park.
Souness on Maddison and Bellingham
Speaking on Channel 4’s coverage of Scotland vs England, Souness made the case for Maddison being more productive in the final third than Bellingham.
“I am an enormous fan of James Maddison,” the Liverpool legend said. “I think there is room for Maddison and Bellingham in this midfield.
“If you look at Maddison’s numbers, his stats of scoring goals and creating chances, and you compare them to Bellingham. He shoots Bellingham off the park.
“He is far better than Bellingham in creating chances and scoring goals.
“He is choosing Bellingham because he plays for Real Madrid. I think there is room for two of them – if he (Bellingham) is going to play off Harry Kane, then I don’t think he is as good as Maddison at that.”
Maddison has excelled at Tottenham so far after making the switch from Leicester City over the summer.
The 26-year-old has already netted twice and provided two assists in just four Premier League appearances.
He seems to be thriving in Ange Postecoglou’s attacking set up has helped to fill the creative void left by Harry Kane at Spurs.
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It was frustrating to see Maddison used in a wide position on Saturday and even more baffling to see him overlooked in Scotland last night.
While Bellingham put in a brilliant display in a more advanced role, Souness makes a great point that both players should be starting from the off.
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