Graeme Souness says Tottenham 26-year-old is ‘far better’ than Jude Bellingham

Graeme Souness says Tottenham Hotspur summer signing James Maddison is ‘far better’ than his England teammate and Real Madrid star, Jude Bellingham.

Gareth Southgate’s England beat Scotland 3-1 in a friendly on Tuesday night at Hampden, with James Maddison being dropped to the bench from the draw against Ukraine and Jude Bellingham starting, once again, in the middle of the park.

The Real Madrid star put on a stunning showing by scoring and assisting, but before the game, Souness claimed that Tottenham’s playmaker is ‘far better’ at playing that attacking midfield role than the 20-year-old, as he told Channel 4 Sport.

On the domestic scene, many thought that they would see Maddison playing in-behind Harry Kane for Spurs. But then he made a late move to Bayern Munich.

And even though the 26-year-old has made such a strong start in that attacking midfield role for Ange Postecoglou, to the frustration of fans, he was used as a left-sided three for his country against Ukraine last week.

Nonetheless, before Bellingham could help put Scotland to the sword last night, this is what Souness had to say about the rising Madrid star and Maddison.

James Maddison and Jude Bellingham
“I am an enormous fan of James Maddison,” said Souness. “I think there is room for Maddison and Bellingham in this midfield.

“I think England have a group of players now, going back to when it was Scholes, Lampard and Steven Gerrard, the Golden generation. I think these lot are as well. I know they have come close to winning a trophy. I think this is a team that should be winning trophies.

“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 as that.”

James Maddison thriving at Tottenham
For years and years, Spurs have been waiting for that quick-footed and goalscoring playmaker to enter their building.

Up steps Maddison following his transfer after Leicester City’s relegation, and within such a short space of time, he is already a firm fan favourite.

Even though Kane has left the building, Maddison is taking that responsibility and is at the heart of the strong start Spurs have made during this new season.