Leicester City Is A Family, Says Maddison
- Leicester City's 2018/19 Young Player of the Season is James Maddison
- The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has scored seven goals and registered seven assists this term
- Maddison praised the family ethos at the Football Club after his first season in Leicester
- Highlights of the season include a debut at Manchester United and scoring a super strike vs. Watford
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a marvellous maiden season in the Premier League since arriving from Norwich City, registering seven goals and seven assists for the Foxes since last summer.
An attacking midfielder who has forged strong friendships at King Power Stadium in just 10 months, Maddison was overjoyed to receive the award, which was voted for by the Blue Army.
“It’s been a brilliant season for me, to be honest,” the England Under-21 international told LCFC TV. “I’ve learnt so much and a lot about myself as well, as much as everything else.
Maddison's 'Brilliant' Learning Curve
James Maddison praised the Blue Army after he was voted as the Club's Young Player of the Season.
“It’s been a fantastic season. I got integrated into the group in July and August and, to be honest, I feel like I’ve been here for years as part of the family.
“It’s a fantastic club and one I’m proud to be a part of, so it’s a real honour to get this award ahead of so many other brilliant nominees.
“I couldn’t believe it when my name got read out, to be honest. I’m really thankful.”
Back in the summer, onlookers wondered how Maddison would fare in the Premier League after scoring 15 goals for the Canaries in the Sky Bet Championship the previous season.
Ever since a standout performance in his top flight debut against Manchester United at Old Trafford in August, the Coventry-born midfielder has proven his pedigree at an elevated level.
“You never know what to expect when you step up because I’ve obviously watched the Premier League on TV all the time, but I’d only ever played in League 1 and the Championship,” he continued.
“The Premier League is a completely different league to be honest, and it’s got the best players in the world. It’s the best league in the world for a reason.
“I feel like I’ve had a good debut season in the Premier League. It could have been better, and it could have been worse, but I’m a harsh critic of myself.
“Like I said, to pick up this award ahead of such talented individuals that are up for this award as well, it’s really special and I can only thank the people that voted for me.
“It means great deal. I know my family will be watching and will be very proud, so thank you.”
Naturally a Premier League debut at Old Trafford is among Maddison’s fondest memories of the 2018/19 season, but his stunning strike against Watford in December also ranks highly.
Maddison explained his celebration – which involved him gesturing to the heavens – was a tribute to the Club’s beloved late Chairman, Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.
He continued: “I’ve got a couple [of memories]. My debut at Old Trafford is one. You never forget your Premier League debut, walking out at Old Trafford in front of 75,000 people is a special moment.
Leicester City: The 2018/19 Season Montage
As Leicester City's fifth consecutive season in the Premier League draws to a close, LCFC TV reflects on the moments to savour and remember during the 2018/19 campaign.
“I think the goal against Watford would probably be my standout [moment]. It was a brilliant team goal to be honest. We had a great counter-attack and Marc Albrighton put it on a plate for me.
“It was a fantastic cross and I had a great first touch and volleyed it in.
“That was obviously the first goal after Khun Vichai’s passing, which was an extra-special moment. I went over to Khun Top, I was pointing at him and he was pointing at me.
“I pointed to the heavens for Khun Vichai and that was a special moment for me, because he was a great, great man. It was a fantastic moment.”