Opinion: James Maddison brings versatility that Spurs have been missing for years
Tottenham Hotspur sealed their second signing of the summer this week after reaching an agreement to land James Maddison from Leicester City for £40 million (SkySports).
The Lilywhites have finally brought in a creative outlet to add to their attack!
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 was heavily linked with Newcastle United, but opted for a move to N17 as a marquee signing for new manager Ange Postecoglou (The Guardian).
Most fans know that Maddison is typically deployed as an attacking midfielder, not far behind the striker. The 26-year-old has played in several different positions throughout his career, though, and amassed over 90 goal involvements while playing for the Foxes (Transfermarkt).
But how exactly has the former Norwich City, Coventry City, Aberdeen FC and now Leicester City player fared out on the left and right wings as well as in the middle of the park?
On the left
The England international has proven to be effective on the left-hand side of the pitch.
Left-midfield: Four goals, 10 assists in 26 games (Transfermarkt)
Left-wing: One assist in three games (Transfermarkt)
On the right
Unlike most right-footed players, Maddison seems to contribute more goals and assists when lined up on the right side of the pitch rather than the left.
Right-midfield: Seven goals, five assists in 23 games (Transfermarkt)
Right-wing: Five goals, six assists in eleven games (Transfermarkt)
Through the middle
This is where fans have known Maddison to be the most effective at, as an attacking midfielder and occasionally as a second striker.
Second striker: Two goals, one assist in five games (Transfermarkt)
Attacking midfield: 45 goals, 41 assists in 182 games (Transfermarkt)
Central midfield: 13 goals, two assists in 33 games (Transfermarkt)
There’s no doubt that James Maddison possesses great creative talent that has been missing in N17 for quite some time ever since Christian Eriksen left for Inter Milan in January of 2020.
It will be interesting to see how Postecoglou utilises Tottenham’s newest recruit, as he is evidently more than capable of providing goals and assists from anywhere on the pitch.
With that being said, welcome to Tottenham, James Maddison!
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