In Focus: Maddison the man to make Spurs an attacking force again

Tottenham fans have been forced to endure defensive football under both Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte but can hope to look forward to a huge change under new head coach Ange Postecoglou.

The former Celtic boss has delivered a statement of intent with the signing of James Maddison, who is sure to bring more attacking flair to North London.

As the England international settles into his new home, we take a look at how he will operate in Postecoglou's system.

Easing the load

For years, Spurs have had to rely on Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son for the majority of their goals.

Over the last two seasons, Kane and Son were responsible for 80 of the 139 strikes they netted in the English top flight.

But the arrival of Maddison will spark a significant change in productivity in the final third.

Across the last five campaigns, the former Leicester playmaker tallied 77 goal contributions and only Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kevin De Bruyne created more chances.

A shot at the big time

Maddison has been waiting patiently for his chance to make the step up to a top-six club having spent time in the East Midlands, Norwich and Coventry.

At 26, the midfield magician finally looks ready to prove his worth in a new environment and he joins Spurs on the back of a glowing review from his former boss Brendan Rodgers.

Rodgers — who has now returned to Celtic after being sacked by the Foxes — said: "I think he's matured on and off the pitch, particularly in the last few years.

"He's got a great view of the game. He creates and scores goals and what he's improved over the last couple of years has been the intensity in his game when he hasn't got the ball."

Raring to go

The FA Cup winner's work off the ball will be just as important as his skill on it, with Postecoglou a keen advocate of a high and intense press.

Maddison's quality will be a welcome sight for spectators at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, who have been craving a replacement for Christian Eriksen since his departure in 2020.

The three-cap international had 85 shots on goal last term and created 69 chances — only nine players fashioned more.

His composure in the final third makes him a suitable fit across the midfield, and his versatility means he is capable of playing in a wide role if necessary.

And after notching 10 goals and nine assists in 2022-23, Spurs fans will be hoping to see more of the same from their £40million man.

Welcome to London

Maddison took to Instagram to express his delight at joining Tottenham and he will be determined to fire his new club back into Europe after they missed out last season.

Chairman Daniel Levy is used to watching his side in the Champions League and is hoping that his new recruit can give Spurs the edge over their top-four rivals.

After making his England return in March, the next task for Maddison is to test his abilities at a club who are desperate to end their trophy drought.

Expectation is high in N17, but the talented technician has the tools to deal with the pressure and turn Tottenham's fortunes around.