Premier League pundit Andy Townsend praised James Maddison for his ‘terrific play’ to assist Micky van de Ven whilst Tottenham Hotspur faced Luton Town on Saturday.
Spurs travelled to Kenilworth Road for the first time since March 1992 this weekend as Ange Postecoglou sought to enter the international break on a high. The arrival of Maddison from Leicester City this summer for £40m has helped Tottenham enjoy a superb start to the term.
The 26-year-old has added a gifted creative presence to the Spurs engine room. Maddison’s pass to Van de Ven at Luton marked his fifth assist through eight appearances. The four-cap England maestro also arrived at the Hatters with two goals to his name after seven matches.
Townsend praises ‘clever’ Maddison for Tottenham vs Luton
Maddison helped Van de Ven give Tottenham a lead in the 52nd minute at Luton after quick thinking from Dejan Kulusevski. The Sweden winger played a quick corner to the playmaker, who spun past Alfie Doughty and drove along the byline before cutting back a perfect cross.
Van de Ven’s side-footed effort found its way home to break the deadlock despite Spurs only playing with 10 players. It was also the £34.5m, rising to £43m, signing from VfL Wolfsburg’s first goal with Spurs. But Townsend praised Maddison’s assist for Tottenham’s goal at Luton.
“Terrific play from Maddison,” Townsend told Premier League Productions (07/10, 13:45). “He’s running out as if he’s to take the corner and he gets it short. He does a clever bit of skill and gets an important toe-ender back to Van de Ven. Really clever play from Spurs.”
Few players can lift Spurs the way Maddison has so far
Maddison has been a breath of fresh air at Tottenham with his assist at Luton just the latest example why. Doughty stood no chance of stopping the midfielder from driving deeper into the Hatters’ box once he received possession. Maddison showed great acceleration, as well.
Tottenham’s concerns now go to the international break and hoping that Maddison returns to north London fully fit. Losing his playmaking talents could destroy all of the momentum that Postecoglou has built. Few players can lift Tottenham the way that Maddison has this term.
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