James Maddison has revealed that he was taken aback when Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou named him as one of the vice-captains along with Cristian Romero.
Maddison has been one of the best players in the league so far and has been the catalyst to Tottenham’s success. Spurs paid £40m to sign the 26-year-old from Leicester City in the summer on a five-year deal (Sky Sports).
The midfielder has played 12 games for the club across all competitions, scoring thrice and assisting five times (Transfermarkt). He formed a telepathic connection with captain Son Heung-min on the pitch.
Maddison is expected to be out of action until the start of the New Year (Guardian). In his absence, Spurs lack a creative force in attack. They will need to look for inspiration elsewhere to fill the void created by the former Foxes midfielder.
(Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Maddison was surprised by Postecoglou’s decision
Speaking in a Q&A posted on Spurs’ official account, Maddison was asked how it felt to be handed a leadership role shortly after joining the club. Here is what he had to say.
“Well, I was taken aback. Obviously, I was very surprised. The gaffer hadn’t said anything to me previous. He announced that Sonny was the captain, and me and Cuti were the vice-captains to the group. I was a little bit taken aback.
“Obviously honoured, a great honour. Just because I’m a new player. I always like to think that I’ve got good leadership skills and will carry myself in the way of a leader.
“But to get that recognition from the manager, and for him to put that trust in me in that role to be captain, me or Cuti whenever Son is absent, or even just be a leader around the group that he feels that I’m capable of doing that, yeah, was very honoured.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Ange Postecoglou has hardly put a foot wrong since becoming the Spurs manager but some eyebrows were raised when he announced the captain and the vice-captains for this season.
The Australian has been spot on though, with his judgement. All three players seem to be thriving with the added responsibility. It bodes well for Spurs. We only hope Maddison can come back from injury soon.
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