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James Maddison should not be compared with former England captain David Beckham after being called into the senior England squad, Leicester City manager Claude Puel believes.

The City attacking midfielder has been called into Gareth Southgate’s squad for the Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain after just seven games in the Premier League.

But his performances, which have included three goals and two assists and seen him create more chances than any other English player in the Premier League, have already led to comparisons with Beckham.

Former City striker Tony Cottee has said he can see similarities, but Puel believes Maddison should forge his own identity and is backing him to keep a level head after his call-up.

“He has just played seven Premier League games and we cannot compare him to other players,” said Puel.

“It is important to go his own way and not to compare. He has his own attributes. He is Maddison and no other player.

“I am happy of course with his work in training and on the pitch. He made just seven Premier League games but it is encouraging for him and important to keep going this way and keep his focus and concentration on the pitch.

“If there is something comes it will be a good reward of course but he needs to continue this way with calm and concentration.

(Image: Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)

“For the moment he has the character to keep his feet on the ground and the most important thing he has a good personalty and he is a good listener, and he must keep this mentality to keep improving.

“He has things to correct but he has fantastic attributes. He has a fantastic character.

“He is just 21 but he is mature and he is an intelligent player. As a manager I want him to keep this focus because it is important he continues this way.”