Former Manchester United defender Alex Bruce has compared Liverpool target Todd Cantwell to Jack Grealish and James Maddison, but is that fair?
Bruce says that the Canaries star has the flair of Grealish and Maddison and he would not be surprised to see Liverpool snap him up from Norwich.
The Athletic reported earlier this month that Liverpool are interested in signing Cantwell at the end of the campaign.
Speaking to Football Insider, Bruce said:
One thing that he gives you is his ball carrying.
He is a little bit like Jack Grealish – that type of player.
He plays with flair like a James Maddison. Of course, he has some way to go before he is at their levels but it is his first season in the Premier League and he has done OK.
He has caught people’s eye and everybody is talking about him.
Cantwell is young, so he is definitely a prospect. It would not surprise me if a club like that takes a punt on him.
So, is Cantwell similar to Maddison and Grealish? In some ways, yes. All three are English attacking midfielders who can either play off the left or through the middle as a number 10.
All three are also skilled dribblers, with all three averaging more than 1.5 dribbles and over 1 key pass per game. This shows how they like to bring the ball up the pitch whilst in possession, whilst also being able to create chances for their teammates when they get into the final third.
They are all also able to score goals. Maddison and Cantwell are tied for six Premier League goals, whilst Grealish is just ahead on seven for Villa.
These statistics show that the trio are fairly similar in style and output, albeit Maddison and Grealish are boasting slightly better numbers in terms of end product – with Cantwell falling behind on chances created and assists.
This suggests that Bruce’s comments are well-informed and that Cantwell could be a shrewd addition to Liverpool’s squad.
At just 21, Cantwell also has plenty of time to develop his already impressive game, with Maddison and Grealish being 23 and 24 respectively.
