James Maddison has unlocked Tottenham teammate in 'big boost' - ex-scout

James Maddison's return has been key to unlocking Sandro Tonali's new and improved form at Tottenham Hotspur.

That is according to former senior Tottenham scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The 29-year-old made his first Premier League start of the season against Coventry City on Monday night and scored a stunner as the Lilywhites emerged 3-1 winners.

The three points were Tottenham's first of the new Premier League season, with Tonali also catching the eye with a strong display.

The 26-year-old cost £100million to sign from Newcastle United in the summer transfer window, but is yet to show the quality that warranted that price tag.

Alongside Maddison on Monday, however, the Italy international looked as if a weight had been lifted off his back.

James Maddison test to come in 'tough game' against Chelsea

Roberto De Zerbi has experimented with his midfield this season so far, with Tonali the only constant.

Conor Gallagher, Lucas Bergvall, Mateus Fernandes, Rodrigo Bentancur and Archie Gray have all partnered the Italian, but the latter combination is the only to have engineered a winning display.

The return of Maddison in front of the pair may well have been the defining factor, however.

"I think it's helped him that Maddison's come back in, to be honest. That's where his improvement has come," King told Football Insider.

"To have a player who is an international player, top quality, he's fit. It certainly looks as though it's shone on to Tonali.

"Maddison has come in the side and seems to take that pressure off him. The passing ability of Maddison seems to allow Tonali to get forward more, but we're still waiting for the goal.

"People are going to say, 'well, it's only Coventry.' But there again, it'll be interesting to see how he [Maddison] goes after the weekend because it's going to be a tough game for him, Chelsea."

How good was Maddison against Coventry?

Maddison's impact on Tottenham from the start against Coventry was immediately apparent.

The Lilywhites still have some way to go, but they looked a far more fluid and creative side with their midfield technician back in the mix.

In just 69 minutes, he created a chance and was fouled four times, with Coventry struggling to know how to deal with his movement.

But Maddison got his own work done, too, making two clearances, four recoveries and winning all of the duels he contested.

Tottenham will hope to have the 29-year-old for the coming months, as they look to save their season.