James Maddison has been instrumental in the transformation that Tottenham Hotspur has undergone, according to the conclusion of Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher after the Londoners reclaimed the top spot in the Premier League on Monday.
The 26-year-old Maddison moved from relegated Leicester City to London last summer for just over 46 million euros and seems to have quickly found his place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. After nine league matches, the attacking midfielder has already scored three goals and provided five assists. Against Fulham, Maddison was responsible for the 2-0 lead.
"I think he's been very influential in changing Spurs," said Carragher. "Credit also has to go to manager Postecoglou; it's his philosophy and style of play. But Maddison has played a big role in that change. He came in and took the number 10 shirt, Harry Kane's shirt, possibly the best player who ever played for Tottenham. I think he will get the captain's armband at some point."
Despite the praise for him and his team, Ange Postecoglou himself was critical after the London victory. "In the second half, we were really sloppy with the ball. We didn't play at the level we can play. We gave it away too much. The positive was that our work ethic was still excellent."
Van de Ven
Meanwhile, Micky van de Ven continues to impress in the back line of the Premier League leaders. No player who made at least five tackles was as successful with their sliding tackles. Fifteen of his sixteen tackles were successful.
