Jamie Carragher snubs Erling Haaland and Mo Salah when naming his Premier League player of the season so far
Jamie Carragher overlooked both Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland when naming his player of the Premier League season so far.
Haland has continued where he left off for Manchester City last season, notching nine goals in nine league games. While Liverpool forward Salah netted a brace against Everton on the weekend, taking his tally to seven goals and four assists this term.
However, former Reds defender Carragher has chosen James Maddison as his player of the season so far, after he bagged his first home goal for new club Tottenham on Monday.
The 26-year-old has had a flying start to life under Ange Postecoglou since making the switch from Leicester over the summer.
The midfielder has scored three times and provided five assists in the top-flight, helping the north London side reach the summit of the table.
And his performance during Tottenham's 2-0 win over Fulham drew praise from Carragher in the studio, who hailed the England international as the the standout player in the Premier League this season.
"I think he has been that influential in that change at Spurs. Credit has to go to the manager because it’s philosophy and his style of play, but he’s been a major part of that," Carragher told Sky Sports.
"He took the number 10, that was Harry Kane ’s shirt, probably the greatest player to play for Tottenham. I think at one stage he had the captain’s armband. He’s just that type of personality and you mention about taking that step up and going to a bigger club.
"Sometimes it’s too much for players and they can’t handle it. It’s not down to ability, but mentality and he can. He’s embracing that and going to a bigger club."
Wolves manager Gary O'Neil couldn't help but agree with Carragher's comments, having played alongside Maddison at Norwich.
O'Neil, now manager of Wolves, revealed that even then, it was clear Maddison's roar talent and self belief meant he would shine.
"He was at Norwich as a young boy, he was out on loan at Coventry at the time and we made the play-offs at Norwich and he came back to train with us once his season finished at Coventry. His confidence was on show from the minute he walked in," he said.
"There was no doubt in his mind he was going to be the best player. He had the ability to back it up. You do see lads that are overconfident and maybe a little bit arrogant, but James was not that. He had an unbelievable belief in his ability and a work ethic to match it."
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