With a win at Everton on Monday, Leicester would leave the drop zone.
As the Foxes midfielder strives to imitate Jack Grealish's heroics in the relegation battle, Leicester manager Dean Smith sees similarities between the two players.
Prior to Monday's vital visit from Everton, who come into the match one point and one position worse off, Smith's team are only one point away from the Premier League safety line.
After Saturday's late 2-1 loss at Brentford by Nottingham Forest, they are aware that only a draw will get them out of the bottom three on goal differential.
Smith credits Manchester City's Grealish, who helped Villa avoid relegation in 2019–20 despite being four points out of safety with three games remaining, and finds similarities between Maddison and Grealish.
In all honesty, I believe they share similar traits yet play different forms of sports. Both are driven to improve themselves and are aware of their potential, he said.
"I believe that having guys with that kind of mentality and character pushes you as coaches to go out and work on making them great players. James also appears to possess that.
"He constantly looks for ways to improve. He is quite loud and actively participates in our discussions and tactical meetings. I can understand how Grealish's desire to push himself is similar.
He wants to discuss football and tactics with you. He is an avid football fan, much like Jack was.
Eight players, including Youri Tielemans and Jonny Evans, have contracts that expire this summer, while Maddison, who has been linked to Newcastle, has one year left on his current term.
Smith thinks that the squad is still dedicated to the survival struggle even though their futures are uncertain.
He stated, "I'm getting that sensation from all the guys. "Whether or not their contract expires at the end of the season, they are all in and devoted to the football team.
"As I've already stated, I have no idea how many people are up or who isn't. What they do in training and what they say in meetings just seem to have buy-in to me.
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