Jamie Carragher shares Philippe Coutinho theory after James Maddison and Liverpool transfer snub

Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool and other Premier League clubs did not make solid attempts to sign James Maddison ahead of Tottenham is down to his favoured position.

The England international has settled in well to his new North London club following a £40m transfer from relegated Leicester City this summer. In six Premier League matches so far he has returned the same amount of goal contributions.

Ange Postecoglou may have placed fitness doubts on the midfielder heading into the Reds' trip to the Tottenham Hostpur Stadium tomorrow evening, though that hasn't prevented Carragher providing a full analysis.

In his latest column for the Telegraph, the 45-year-old stated that Maddison is "quickly becoming one of his favourite Premier League footballers," due to his "throwback style" personality.

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He also posed the question of why Spurs were relatively unchallenged for the 26-year-old's signature - a debate for which he could provide a definitive answer.

The former defender began: "His throwback style extends to his on-field role. With the utmost respect to Maddison and Spurs, it explains why his options during the summer did not include Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.

"I have no doubt all watched him for Leicester and at some point over the last three years considered signing him. The reason they said no is because Maddison’s most effective position is unfashionable for elite coaches.

"Maddison excels most as an out-and-out number 10. Over the last six years - or certainly since Pep Guardiola’s 4-3-3 began