Maddison: Premier League’s transfer of the summer?

James Maddison has been tearing apart defenses since joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

The strong performances have continued, with a great recent display against Fulham. Maddison crucially scored in the 54th minute to double Spurs’ lead to 2-0.

Contributions like this have raised the question for supporters and football fans alike: Is Maddison the Premier League’s signing of the summer?

In just nine league games, Madders has scored three goals and contributed five assists, helping Spurs climb top of the table for two consecutive weeks.

Additionally, the midfielder picked up the August Player of the Month award for his stellar displays.

Ange Postecoglou, in just his first few months on the job, has drastically changed the style of play at the England club. However, this has only allowed Maddison to further capitalize on his abilities.

With pace both on and off the ball, James can carry possession into dangerous areas of the pitch.

With his strong spatial awareness, he can move in and out of defenses, creating space for the fullbacks to check into the midfield. His style of play and intensity thus allow Ange to utilize him in two distinct capacities: creating space for inverted full backs to cut centrally, and pressing strikers and/or wingers to win back possession.

These attributes, while great on their own, are in addition to the skills the player already has in his arsenal, such as his exquisite touch, ability to play through the lines, and of course his set-piece specialization.

Maddison is also clinical in the toughest of fixtures, notably grabbing two assists in the North London Derby.

As long as he stays healthy, Maddison could continue to be the focal point of Spurs’ attack this season.

With Rodrigo Bentancur returning from injury in the next month or so, Ange’s midfield options will only be strengthened. Perhaps, with Bentancur available, Maddison could be freed up to get even more involved in the attacking play.