The fresh approach brought to Norwich City by head coach Daniel Farke is suiting talented playmaker James Maddison very nicely during pre-season.

Eastern Daily Press: James Maddison of Norwich receives treatment for a knock during the pre-season friendly at The Valley. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus ImageJames Maddison of Norwich receives treatment for a knock during the pre-season friendly at The Valley. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Image (Image: ©Focus Images Limitedwww.focus-images.co.uk+447814 482222)

With the experienced Wes Hoolahan only just back in training after a fitness issue and Alex Pritchard expected to miss the first month of the season with ankle ligament damage, the 20-year-old has had a chance to shine.

The Coventry City academy product made four appearances for City last season, scoring once, but spent the first half of the season on loan at Aberdeen, scoring three goals in 18 games.

“I’m playing a bit of a deeper role at the moment, more of a number eight,” Maddison explained. “But the boss likes to call it a half position, where I’m a little bit deeper and we have a holding midfielder with two in front, which is something different to what I’ve done before.

“I’ve normally been based as a number 10 type player but it means I can build the game from deeper and take a lot more touches. I’m constantly learning, it’s a new position out of possession but I’m thoroughly enjoying it.”

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The youngster was subjected to some rough play during Tuesday’s 2-0 friendly win at League One side Charlton, who started former Canaries midfield battler Andrew Crofts in a defensive midfield role.

“It was another tough test, it was a step up in opposition I’d say,” he continued. “Charlton were quite direct – not necessarily in the way they play but they were in our face, pressing high and stuff – so it was a good challenge for us.

“Obviously we came out victorious again which is always a good sign in pre-season and the lads put in a shift.”

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Maddison got stuck into his challenge though and showed plenty of fighting spirit, adding: “It was one of those where in the moment when you’re constantly getting kicked, you have a little moan at someone, but it’s part of the game and something with the way I play, I’m going to get treatment like that so I’ve got to take it on the chin and bounce straight back.

“It’s definitely in there somewhere, the boss is bringing that out of me and that’s Championship football, you’ve got to do that and give your all out of possession as well. It’s a tough season in the Championship so I’ll continue to do that.”

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