Expert verdict on Tottenham pursuit of James Maddison after manager’s admission
Paul Robinson “cannot see” Tottenham manager Antonio Conte adapting his system to accommodate a player like James Maddison.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former White Hart Lane number one said Maddison, 25, would have to play as a wide forward if he were to join Spurs.
Sources told this site (29 September) that the Foxes midfielder is keen on joining a Champions League club next year with Tottenham a potential destination.
Maddison has two years remaining on his contract at the King Power Stadium.
As quoted by the Daily Mail (7 October), Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers revealed the club is braced to receive offer for their star player in the January transfer window.
When asked by Football Insider if Maddison would be a welcome addition to Tottenham’s squad, Robinson said: “Maddison has been one of the best players in the Premier League this year.
“Leicester have been terrible and he has stood head and shoulders above the rest. He was very unfortunate to miss out on the England squad.
“Would he go to Spurs? I cannot see where he fits in.
“Conte plays with just two midfielders so Maddison would have to play as one of the wide forwards. I am not sure that would be to his strengths.
“Would Conte adapt his system to fit in a player like Maddison? I cannot see it. I think he is a number 10. As much as I like Maddison, I cannot see him effectively fitting into Conte’s system.”
In other news, Tottenham idol ‘surprised’ by what he’s seen from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.