Harry Redknapp told Spurs to sign player 10 years before they eventually did

Harry Redknapp has always been a big fan of James Maddison but insisted that the midfielder has to show this season that he can sustain good performances throughout the campaign.

Maddison had an up-and-down 2023/24

There were some doubts about Maddison heading into the new season, given the drop-off he had in the latter part of last campaign, allied with the fact that he did not look at his best during pre-season.

In fact, some Spurs fans might have even wanted to see Dejan Kulusevski or Lucas Bergvall get the nod to start over the Englishman in the number ten role against Leicester City.

However, Ange Postecoglou kept faith in Maddison and the Spurs vice-captain proved that class is permanent, producing an accomplished display and setting up the away side’s only goal in the game.

Speaking after the 1-1 draw, the 27-year-old admitted that it was frustrating to drop points in the game but insisted that he was pleased with his own performance, remarking that he is keen to prove a point this season after the disappointing end to last campaign and the Euros snub (The Standard).

Harry Redknapp wanted Spurs to sign Maddison a decade ago

When asked about the former Foxes star, Redknapp has now told talkSPORT (20/08, 8:12 am): “I have been a big fan of Maddison.

“I first saw him play at Coventry as a kid, and I came away, I remember ringing David Pleat at Tottenham, saying I have seen a kid tonight, I was at QPR at the time, I said what a talent this kid looks, you know.

“Tottenham looked at him then but felt that they had other players similar or whatever to him and didn’t do anything. I am a big Maddison fan, and last night in the first half, he looked back to his best.

“That injury did set him back last year. He has got to do it consistently over the season. He has had seasons where he has had great runs and then tailed off a bit. Big year for him, this year I think.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I never had any doubts about Maddison and always expected him to step up and deliver once he reached full fitness.

The added competition for places after the arrival of Bergvall could help bring the best out of the England international.

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