I was a harsh critic of Madsen. I was convinced that he was only picked based on orders from Nourry, the guilty party who had authorised his large transfer fee. Madsen was invisible in many games last season, didn't seem to work hard and was always hiding rather than looking to receive a pass. He didn't tackle and, despite his height, he couldn't win headers. Other than that, he was very good! However, I think there were signs of him coming good in the last few games of last season and, for example, Clive's match reports and the LFW ratings confirm this. It is most definitely not just the last 3 games that he has looked a very useful footballer. The glimmers of progress that he showed at the end of last season have continued with most of the games this season. Again, the ratings on Loft For Words, where, for example, he is rated higher than Dunne, Cook and Varane, confirm that evolution. I have now done a complete about turn and, rather than bewilderment on seeing his name down as a starter, I actively want him to be a starter. He is now offering so much more than the backwards/sideways passing of some of our other midfielders. Whilst I am often wrong, I believe my assessment of him last year remains accurate. The man has changed, he has acclimatised. Sure, he still has a way to go but lets give the man full credit and enjoy his on-going development.
Nobody who actually watched Madsen live for any period of time last season genuinely saw anything in him but it was an opportunity to be a bit contrary. Credit to the staff and NM himself but let’s not pretend.
