James Maddison proving point as gamble pays off in Leicester City win

James Maddison is proving a point – and has to do so every week, Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has said.

The attacking midfielder produced another influential display to guide City to a 4-2 victory over Watford and get them back into the top half of the Premier League table.

His goal and two assists followed one of each in Thursday’s win over Legia Warsaw, the England international in his best form since his hip injury in February.

Asked in midweek if he had a point to prove after being left out of the side against Chelsea, Maddison had said no, but his manager believes he and his team-mates have to go out every game and do so.

Otherwise, City won’t be able to perform at the top level.

“He was trying to be respectful to the question, but I think we always have a point to prove,” Rodgers said. “This is a level where you are always looking to prove yourself, you always have to be intense.

“I think you’re seeing the work and the confidence with the level of his game, and with his movement.

“You see his quality when he’s running and working and creating, he gives the team confidence.

“It’s not about one player, it’s about the team, but he was excellent.”

Maddison opened the scoring by ghosting around the back of the Watford defence and capitalising when William Ekong let a long ball drop over his head and in behind.

The goal was a reward for the gamble the number 10 took, Rodgers added.

“We’ve talked about doing more of that, the running without the ball,” Rodgers said. “You see the movement and that’s what can happen. He’s gambled and had a positive mindset, and it’s a wonderful finish. He got the reward for that.

“It was a really good performance, we are scoring goals again. We were playing against a dangerous team, so we knew we had to play well today, and I was really happy with that.”