Jermain Defoe has said that playing with someone like James Maddison is a dream for any forward and remarked that the attacking midfielder is a perfect fit for Tottenham.
Maddison has had a barnstorming start to his Spurs career, having instantly become the player that makes Ange Postecoglou’s side tick.
The 26-year-old, who was voted the Premier League Player of the Month for August, faced his biggest test since joining the club when Tottenham travelled to the Emirates on Sunday.
One could see from the attacking midfielder’s body language during the game that he was enjoying the occasion and the pressure that came with it.
Even though Maddison almost cost Spurs a goal mid-way into the first half as he gave the ball away inside the ball to Gabriel Jesus, who failed to convert his chance, that did not affect the England international’s confidence.
The former Leicester City man continued demanding the ball from his teammates and made a big impact in the final third, setting up both of Son Heung-min’s goals.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur reacts after missing a chance during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 16, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
James Maddison has a swagger about him at Spurs
Defoe admitted that he loved the ‘arrogance’ that Maddison showed in his first North London Derby.
The former Spurs striker told Premier League Productions (25/09/23 at 5:15 pm): “You look at someone like James Maddison who, for me, is a Tottenham player, if that makes sense He can handle the ball in any area. He is comfortable to do that.
“When Maddison gets on the ball, then as a forward player, you know that he will find you. One-v-one. Just a bit of brilliance (for Son’s goal) – He has that good arrogance.”
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You could tell that Maddison is not just unfazed by the big stage but actually enjoys the pressure and the chance to showcase his quality. The 26-year-old seems like the type of character that we can rely on to drag the team to win in big matches.
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