Brentford manager Thomas Frank named James Maddison as Leicester’s main offensive threat ahead of Saturday’s game. Premier League Clash at Gtech Community Stadium.
The Dane hailed the Foxes top scorer, who scored nine goals and provided five assists in all competitions in this campaign.
“(James) Maddison, if we clearly (a threat to Leicester) want to get something out of this game, we should undoubtedly shut down Maddison. But it’s not just Maddison, I think (Harvey) BarnesI’m thinking too (Kelechi) Iheanacho, I’m also thinking about Tete,” said Frank.
“But I think Maddison in particular is their key player, but I think one of their biggest strengths is that there are always goals in games. Leicesteralways targets, and that’s a huge force.”
Maddison was named to England’s squad for Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine on Thursday, along with Brentford striker Ivan Toney.
Seventeen players on Gareth Southgate’s team represent the “big six” clubs – a statistic Frank believes shows the competitiveness of the international selection.
“I think the England team is very strong, I think the competition for positions is very strong,” he said.
“I don’t think it has anything to do with the top six teams and it’s easier to get on the roster (if you’re playing for one team), but I think if you’re one of the top six you’re potentially playing at a bigger club.” and these teams are harder to get into, so maybe that gives them a small advantage (being selected for England).
But if the players are good enough and performing, whether they’re playing at Brentford, Leicester or any club, then I’ve never seen a manager who doesn’t pick the best players and give them the time and opportunities.”
Toney is the second English player to score in the Premier League this season and sits four behind Harry Kane’s 20 hits.
Frank believes the striker is a perfect fit for the international stage.
“There are other aspects, a new environment, new teammates, the new manager to adapt to,” Frank said.
“I believe he will do it, but at the international level and in international football, I don’t see it as higher (higher than the Premier League).
“Great players have the ability to overcome failures, this is the key to their high level because in football there are always setbacks and if you are (Lionel) Messi, (Cristiano) Ronaldo or (Erling) Haaland you cannot score in a game, then that is a setback. and then you have to get over it.
“Sometimes it’s a major injury or a debt and it’s the stamina and mindset to get over it. Mentality and resilience, Ivan has it in abundance.”