There has been a serious transformation at N17; Tottenham are exciting again. This was not what was expected after all-time top goalscorer and club legend Harry Kane left the club just before the start of the Premier League season. With no new signings in that department, his deputy, Richarlison, seemed poised to step up into the main role. The Brazillian is a lively player, but scored just one Premier League goal last year, leaving fans wondering whether things would get a lot worse at Spurs before they started to get better. Yet, against all odds, Tottenham are flying.
Destiny Udogie’s exciting left-back showings have been a huge upgrade on the aging Ivan Perisic. New goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario appears solid. Cristian Romero is in peak form alongside new man Micky van de Ven. Most importantly, their midfield is light years ahead of what it was. Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr are electric in the pivot and the key man behind it all, their new number ten, James Maddison, is simply sensational.
Many teams fought for Maddison’s signature after Leicester were relegated to the Championship. For €50m, Tottenham won the race and the maestro has been ripping it up for the Lilywhites ever since.
Maddison has played five games for the Spurs, scored twice, assisted twice, and impacted every single one. On his debut against Brentford, the Englishman created two goals to rescue a point for Spurs. Since then, Spurs have won four on the bounce.
Maddison’s creativity and energy are a huge upgrade on the lethargy that blighted Spurs’ midfield last year. He is a constant threat. Against Sheffield United, a game in which Spurs won 2-1 at the death, Maddison didn’t score or assist, but he was dangerous. He laid on four chances for his teammates, won nine ground duels, and completed 82% of his passes.
One thing about Maddison is that he loses the ball a lot. In fact, he loses possession an average of 17 times per game. But this is no bad thing, contrary to what you may think. It means that he tries things. He is creative. Amongst the few players that rank higher than Maddison in possession lost per game are Bruno Fernandes and Trent Alexander-Arnold, so he’s in good company in that regard.
In addition to his remarkable on-field contributions, James Maddison’s presence in the Tottenham squad has had a profound impact off the pitch as well. His professionalism, work ethic, and passion for the game have resonated with his teammates, inspiring a renewed sense of belief within the squad. Maddison’s leadership qualities have emerged, with the Englishman often motivating and encouraging his fellow players during matches and training sessions.
Maddison has also embraced the culture and traditions of the club, endearing himself to the Tottenham faithful. His interactions with fans on social media and his genuine enthusiasm for representing the Lilywhites have made him a fan favourite in a remarkably short period. Maddison’s connection with the supporters reflects his commitment to the club’s vision of returning to the upper echelons of English football.
As Tottenham continues to excel on the pitch and the team’s chemistry improves, much of the credit for this transformation goes to James Maddison, although serious credit needs to be given to manager Ange Postecoglou as well. The ex-Celtic manager has taken his first job in the Premier League in his stride and he is inspiring his Tottenham players as well as winning the hearts of fans and pundits with his honest and witty press conferences and interviews.
With the Australian and the Englishman at the helm, Spurs have a real chance to do well this season. If Maddison stays fit and the morale stays high, we could see Tottenham back in the Champions League next year.
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter
