Pundits across the game have been lauding Guglielmo Vicario for his latest performance in a Tottenham Hotspur shirt, but James Maddison wasn’t happy with one thing his goalkeeper did during the win over Manchester United.
It has been a busy summer for Spurs, with new manager Ange Postecoglou looking to sculpt his inherited squad in his own image.
Gone are the conservative, defensive methods of Antonio Conte. Now, the Tottenham squad is expected to be adventurous and play on the front foot.
These free-flowing attacks begin at the back, with the Spurs defenders and goalkeepers expected to be comfortable with the ball at their feet and help to turnover play with progressive passing.
After a poor showing from Hugo Lloris last season, bringing in a new goalkeeper was a must for Spurs. So far, the signing of Guglielmo Vicario has proven to be a shrewd one.
The Italian stopper was in fine form in the win over Manchester United last weekend, and has since attracted praise from various pundits.
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 19: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after the team’s victory during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 19, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Why was Maddison unhappy with Vicario?
Another new signing for Spurs this summer, James Maddison, has impressed many with his performances. But, The Tottenham Way host, Martin Buckland, spotted something else of note in Maddison’s latest display.
He said: “I want to touch on James Maddison who I thought was fantastic. And goodness me we have been crying out for a creative genius of his ilk for such a long time.
“I also like the way that he was prepared to criticise his teammates when necessary. He gave Vicario a real blasting at one point midway through the second half. I think he wasn’t happy with the way he was distributing the ball from the back.
“He then went up to him and gave him a high-five so it was a positive bit of criticism which is great, he’s showing his leadership skills and just the way he turned and moved and was constantly available for the ball. It was like watching [Glenn] Hoddle back in his prime.”
Spurs Web Opinion
James Maddison has come in and quickly established himself as a key figure at Tottenham, and he is clearly relishing that role. I never really thought of him as a leader, but he has already displayed all the characteristics you’d look for in a captain and looks like a great choice for the vice-captain position.
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