The Enigmatic Appeal of James Maddison’s Move to Tottenham Hotspur
Some things are difficult to explain. They may not hold up under scrutiny, but sometimes they just feel right. The possibilities are so tantalizing that they override everything else. It’s in this enigmatic spirit that James Maddison signed for Tottenham Hotspur in June. The showman midfielder, full of mischief and expression, found himself at a club where a player of his unique style is practically a constitutional requirement.
“That kind of look on it was one of the factors in why I wanted to go,” Maddison explains as he prepares with England for their upcoming matches. “I could just see myself playing for Tottenham. I’m not even exactly sure what I mean by that, so don’t ask me! But I just had this vision of myself in that team, in that kit, in that stadium. It just felt right. And Tottenham has always had players of that type.”
“My dad’s favorite player when I was growing up was Gazza. That kind of midfielder who wants to be creative, entertain the fans, and have a personality. Christian Eriksen was another example in recent years, but since him, they probably haven’t had that type of player. I’m not saying I’m on the same level, but I belong to that category.”
Maddison’s start at Tottenham has been nothing short of spectacular. With two goals and two assists in four Premier League games, Spurs are currently in second place with 10 points. Maddison didn’t hesitate to take over the No. 10 shirt from Harry Kane after his move to Bayern Munich. The fans immediately fell in love with him, just as expected.
Now, Maddison is eager to make a mark in his England career. With only three caps so far, he approaches the upcoming matches against Ukraine and Scotland with sky-high confidence. For him, confidence is not just a passing boost but a state of mind.
At 26 years old, Maddison is too young to have witnessed the brilliance of Paul Gascoigne firsthand. However, his father, Gary, a graphic designer, would create video montages featuring Gascoigne, which Maddison would watch over and over again. Gary also has a YouTube channel showcasing his son’s footballing journey.
“Before becoming a professional, you’re just a fan of the game. I loved players who had personality and a bit of cheekiness about them. Gazza was a perfect example,” Maddison reflects. “For example, I remember a clip where the cameras were going down the national anthem, and he stuck his tongue out and started messing around with the camera. I loved that. That’s why I enjoy interacting with fans. Did you see the clip of me with the Bournemouth fans?”
Maddison is referring to a recent incident at the Vitality Stadium. When he went to take a corner, he was serenaded with insults. Deliberately, he extended the drama by placing the ball outside the quadrant, provoking the fans before returning it with a big grin.
“It’s those little things that I enjoy doing, keeping me hungry,” Maddison explains. “I like the theatricality of being almost the villain. That’s how I enjoyed watching football, and that’s how I enjoy playing it. It’s not an act; that’s just who I am. Even when I go for a roast dinner with my family, I like to be the center of attention.”
Maddison talks about how perfectly aligned he feels with the new Spurs manager, Ange Postecoglou. Postecoglou wants Maddison to play with freedom and bravery as a left-sided No. 8, constantly pressing and looking to attack. It’s music to his ears.
The established narrative surrounding Maddison’s relationship with Gareth Southgate, who has previously played him off the left wing, is different. Maddison has heard rumors for years. He made his England debut in 2019 but was mostly out of favor until being included in the 2022 World Cup squad. Unfortunately, he couldn’t play due to a knee injury.
“People have told me that Gareth didn’t like me, that’s why I wasn’t given much of a chance. Maybe it had something to do with my extroverted nature, my love for a night out. But I never once thought Gareth had a problem with me,” Maddison insists. “There was a time when I wasn’t performing well enough, and I had to work hard to get back in. Gareth is a loyal man; he trusts his players. Sometimes, it’s harder to break into the team than to be left out.”
Maddison firmly believes that having a social life is just as important as being a professional athlete. He refuses to confine himself to his room or go to bed early. Socializing is essential for him, providing a balance in his life. He knows that neglecting self-care can lead to quick failure in the world of sports.
Now, Maddison looks ahead to the matches against Ukraine and Scotland, teaming up with Kane as he had hoped to do at Tottenham. Although he wasn’t “naïve” enough to believe that Kane wouldn’t end up at Bayern, there were even conspiracy theories surrounding Maddison wearing the No. 71 shirt during pre-season, suggesting that he and Spurs knew the No. 10 would become available.
“I definitely wasn’t waiting for the No. 10 shirt,” Maddison clarifies. “I didn’t want it to become available because that would mean one thing. The new signings were given pre-season numbers [in the 70s]. When the time comes to finalize squad numbers, the club has to sell shirts…”
The eventual departure of Harry Kane opened up the No. 10 shirt, and the club offered it to Maddison. He gladly accepted, as it is his favorite number and even tattooed on him.
“I knew there was a chance Harry could leave, but I didn’t feel discouraged. With the new manager and new players, there was a positive atmosphere, and I didn’t sense any lingering negativity from the previous managers. There were associations with more defensive football before Postecoglou, but we started on a fresh slate. From the moment I joined until now, it’s been really good,” Maddison concludes.
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