John Wenham believes ‘outstanding’ James Maddison offers more than just goals and assists
Tottenham News is delighted to welcome John Wenham of Lilywhite Rose as our exclusive columnist. Each week, he’ll be giving his expert insight on the biggest talking points at Spurs…
Summer signing James Maddison provides “character” and can make a difference for Tottenham when the “going gets tough,” according to John Wenham.
In June, Tottenham announced the signing of James Maddison from Leicester City on a five-year contract in a deal worth £40million (Sky Sports news, 29 June).
As an attacking midfielder who scored 10 goals and provided nine assists in the Premier League last season despite the Foxes being relegated, the 26-year-old could slot perfectly into Ange Postecoglou’s attacking style of football, operating in an advanced number eight role.
And Wenham believes that while the Englishman will bring an attacking threat to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, he also offers some other, just as important qualities which the club have lacked in recent seasons.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Wenham said: “Maddison is an outstanding player, he is somebody that over the last couple of seasons has always popped up with 10 goals or assists while he played for Leicester.
“More important than what he actually offers on the pitch is his character.
“I think Tottenham lack leaders and lack players who when the going gets tough, will care enough to get stuck in and will let people know about what’s going on, on the pitch.
“I think Maddison has all of that in abundance, he has got character and I think that’s something Tottenham have massively missed.
“I’m looking forward to Maddison playing, I think he will be a starter for Tottenham week-in week-out and somebody that we can count on, and hopefully somebody that can now take the set-pieces for us.“
In other Tottenham News, the stats and tactics show there is another Premier League midfielder who could fit in perfectly at the club alongside Maddison.