Journalist hints at new position for James Maddison under Postecoglou at Spurs
Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas has claimed that even though James Maddison will technically line up in a midfield three next season, the 26-year-old is likely to get a lot of touches in the opposition box under Ange Postecoglou. It was reported soon after Postecoglou took over at Spurs that the Australian had identified Maddison […]
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Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas has claimed that even though James Maddison will technically line up in a midfield three next season, the 26-year-old is likely to get a lot of touches in the opposition box under Ange Postecoglou.
It was reported soon after Postecoglou took over at Spurs that the Australian had identified Maddison as his priority target (Telegraph), which is not surprising considering how important a number eight is to the former Celtic boss’ system.
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)
Tottenham fans are certainly excited about the England international’s arrival, with the midfielder expected to add the flair and creativity that has seemingly been missing since Christian Eriksen’s departure three and a half years ago.
New position for Maddison on the cards at Spurs
Maddison will report to Hotspur Way for pre-season training next week along with Spurs’ other international stars and Thomas believes that the newcomer will be asked to adapt to a slightly unfamiliar role and would have to lot of responsibility in the final third.
He said on the Last Word on Spurs podcast about the former Leicester star: “As I said, it goes back a lot longer than 12 months. He’s a player Tottenham have had on their radar for years, since [Mauricio] Pochettino’s time.
“Like I said they had the chance to sign him before, they didn’t think it was quite the right time, didn’t think he was ready.
“I think Ange [Postecoglou] sees him as a number eight even though he’s played as a ten.
“I think he sees him as an attacking number eight. If you look at the way Celtic played last year, he used Matt O’Riley a lot as a very advanced number eight.
“If you look at Matt O’Riley’s stats, who was another player who had a great season last year, he had more touches in the opposition box than any other Celtic player and he’s a midfield player.
“So, that should give you an idea of how far forward, how advanced [James] Maddison will play, even though technically he’s going to be a central midfield player.
“I think he’ll be the one that will be dictating and creating chances really high up [the pitch]. Very similar to how Christian Eriksen played in Mauricio Pochettino’s formation.”
Spurs Web Opinion
The role described by Thomas suits Maddison down to a tee, which is perhaps why Spurs and Postecoglou prioritised a move for the 26-year-old.
If Kane stays, then our front four will undoubtedly strike fear into opposition defences next season.
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