Five reasons signing Maddison would make sense for Tottenham Hotspur
By Aaron Coe
With versatility comes options, which Tottenham lacked last season but could have in spades this year.
Reason 2: Maddison unlocks other formations for Spurs
If Tottenham were to play in a 3-5-2 formation, it is hard to say who would be the attacking centre-midfielder for Spurs. The best choice in that situation might be to allow Kane to play in the number 10 role while Richarlison and Heung-min Son play up top. Maddison would change that discussion entirely.
Similar to the options signing Eriksen would have created for Spurs, Maddison makes other formations more viable as a recognized attacking midfielder.
Besides the 3-5-2, what if injuries mount in the back and Tottenham needs to play a 4-2-3-1 formation? A 4-2-3-1 may fit Kane better as a no. 10 than a 3-5-2 would, but again, Maddison would be a clear choice.
Tottenham lacks a genuinely creative, attacking central midfielder, and Maddison would provide just that, unlocking a possible world for a coach like Conte.
Reason 3: Maddison is English and would add to the homegrown tally
Spurs have made some great signings this summer, but most have not helped the overall balance of the squad in terms of the homegrown quotas needed for both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
Signing Fraser Forster helps, as he counts as homegrown, as will Spence if he comes to Tottenham. Adding Maddison to that group would give Spurs a third homegrown player added to the count. Having lost Danny Rose, Dele Alli, and Joe Hart, among others, in the last couple of seasons has reduced the senior players who fit the homegrown category. Further, with Harry Winks likely on the way out, adding another player that can check the homegrown box is some intelligent business for Spurs.