Jermain Defoe has heaped praise on James Maddison and how the Tottenham star can ‘handle the ball in any area’.
The former Premier League striker added that Tottenham’s big-name summer signing also has ‘that good arrogance’ to his game, as he told Premier League Productions (25/09/23 at 5:15 pm).
That was proven on Sunday when James Maddison registered two assists in the north London derby against Arsenal – Jude Bellingham was left impressed.
Spurs fans have already seen what the quick-thinking playmaker is about, and whilst he didn’t need to introduce himself to Spurs, well, he sure did at the Emirates.
You would think that there would be some sort of hangover from Harry Kane’s exit, but players like James Maddison are ensuring that’s not the case.
Jermain Defoe is an academy coach at Tottenham now, and along with performances out on the pitch, he would have seen what the club’s new star has been doing in training also.
James Maddison on the ball
“You look at someone like James Maddison who, for me, is a Tottenham player, if that makes sense,” said Defoe. “He can handle the ball in any area. He is comfortable to do that.
“When Maddison gets on the ball, then as a forward player, you know that he will find you.
“One-v-one. Just a bit of brilliance (for Son’s goal) – He has that good arrogance.”
James Maddison connects with everyone
Whether it’s Tottenham captain Son Heung-min – who has also spoken highly of him – or another fellow summer signing, Maddison connect with everyone on the pitch.
That’s the beauty of the player because you can just slot him in the number ten role and he will sing and dance with everyone.
Whilst these early performances have been pretty impressive, it’s now a case of transforming that over the course of the season because, if they do, then European football will return.
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