James Maddison has just signed for Tottenham Hotspur and his contract will run until 2028 with a reported fee of £40 million (Fabrizio Romano).
Maddison’s signing could be a revolutionary turning point for Spurs. Since the departure of Christian Eriksen in January 2020, Spurs have lacked a creative attacking midfielder (No.10). This has left them without an engine in midfield, and against opponents that sit back, Spurs have struggled.
ENFIELD, ENGLAND – JUNE 28: James Maddison poses as he signs for Tottenham Hotspur at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on June 28, 2023 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)
Maddison will be the dynamo that Spurs have so desperately craved; his elegance and ability on the ball will allow the Lilywhites to thrive against teams with a low block. Maddison has been a star for Leicester in recent seasons, culminating in his transfer to Spurs.
Despite Leicester being relegated, Maddison was still effective as ever – he was there, shining light in a tunnel of complete darkness. Maddison had a successful campaign in the league, where he scored 10 goals and picked up nine assists (Sofa Score).
Maddison played most of the season as a central attacking midfielder. However, he is incredibly well-versed and has played on both flanks for England and for Leicester. This utility could be essential for Ange Postecoglou when he finds his ideal starting XI.
For Spurs, he is exactly what they need. His arrival in N17 is one that has united fans, and this has been a rarity in recent seasons. Not only that, but his play style is flattering to the eye, and he will excite the fans with his dynamic and forward-thinking nature. We saw this at Leiscter with Maddison and Barnes being the driving force behind their attack.
Postecoglou could use Maddison in Matt O’Riley role
Maddison will most likely play where Matt O’Riley did for Celtic last season. As the No. 8 on the right-hand side has the most attacking responsibility, this role will be the best-suited position for Maddison.
He will be instructed to pick up the ball from the inverted full-backs and drive at the heart of the opposition’s defences. This perfectly encapsulates his talents, and he will thrive doing so.
Maddison will also be required to join the front three in the press to make it an imposing front four. Maddison did only make 16 ball recoveries in the opponent’s half last season. However, he made 81 tackles and 40 interceptions throughout the season (Football Transfers).
Where he lacked in direct pressing, he made up for it elsewhere. This is not to say that Postecoglou couldn’t mould him into a pressing midfielder, as he did with O’Riley at Celtic.
Not only will Maddison impact the press and Spurs’ play in possession, he will also be a dead-ball specialist.
Spurs have longed for a free-kick artist in recent years, and when Spurs have been awarded free-kicks at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, you often hear groaning and muttering about its inevitable clash against the wall.
Maddison will now fill this void, as he is one of the finest free-kick takers in the league.
Last season, Maddison scored two free-kick goals; he delivered these beauties against Brentford and Nottingham Forest (Sofa Score).
Dean Henderson stood still and watched the ball soar in as he was deceived by Maddison’s free-kick. The stunning goal ended up at the far post despite most players opting for a curling effort towards the near post. This ability to place the ball on either side of the keeper gives Maddison an extra-special element of deception.
An added bonus that comes with the purchase of Maddison is that he is a homegrown player. Spurs have been teetering on the borderline for this in recent seasons, and Maddison will help keep Spurs over the eight-homegrown player threshold that is set by the Premier League (Premier League).
Maddison could end up being a bargain for only £40 million, but he will have to adapt to a Postecoglou system, which does differ from how he played at Leicester.
There is no doubt that Postecoglou wouldn’t have completed this deal if he didn’t believe he could fit the bill. If Maddison can steer clear of injury, Spurs could have a special talent on their hands and a player that complements the free-flowing attacking style the squad will play next season.
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