Jamie Carragher hails Tottenham star James Maddison as ‘most influential player in the Premier League’
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes that Tottenham star James Maddison is ‘the most influential player in the Premier League’. The former defender made the comment after Maddison scored Spurs’ second goal of their 2-0 win over Fulham on Monday night, a result which has moved the club back to the top of the table.
Maddison has been sensational since moving to north London from Leicester over the summer for £40million, with three goals and five assists in his first nine league games. His form has put him firmly in Gareth Southgate’s England plans, and Carragher believes no one in the top-flight is having a greater impact on the pitch right now.
Carragher’s Praise for Maddison
‘For me, he’s been probably the most influential player in the Premier League. I think he has been that influential,’ Carragher said on Sky Sports Monday Night Football. ‘The credit has to go to the manager. It’s his philosophy, his way of playing, but he [Maddison] has been a major part of that. He has come in and taken the No. 10, Harry Kane’s shirt, possibly the greatest player to have played for Tottenham. I think at one stage early on he had the captain’s armband on. He is just that type of personality. Sometimes, taking a step up to a bigger club, that scrutiny is too much for players, they can’t actually handle it. It’s not their ability, it’s their mentality. He can. He has embraced going to a bigger club, doing interviews with us, being in the spotlight. He absolutely loves it.’
Maddison Responds to Praise
Carragher shared his opinion with Maddison himself after the Fulham win, with the attacking midfielder responding: ‘That’s the aim. It’s big praise but I appreciate it. Coming to a club like Tottenham is a bigger club in stature than Leicester, and I absolutely loved my time there, but the scrutiny, the pressure, the responsibility goes up a notch when you come to one of these bigger clubs. I love that and thrive off that. 60,000 fans here today and I just love these occasions on Monday Night Football. That’s when I’m at my best. I felt really good out there today and I’m happy we got the win because we’re doing really well as a team. We’ve got such a hard-working team and a great manager. I just want that to continue game on game. I’m really happy. All my goal contributions so far this season have been away from home, I keep seeing stats pop up about it. It’s nice to get off the mark here in a convincing performance, solid win, that puts us back to the top of the table.’
Tottenham at the Top of the Table
Tottenham have been impressive under manager Ange Postecoglou this season, and are currently two points clear of Manchester City and Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table. The club are still unbeaten in the league under Postecoglou, and look set to challenge for silverware this season with Maddison leading from the front.
Conclusion
Jamie Carragher’s praise for James Maddison is well deserved, and it’s clear that he is having a huge impact on Tottenham’s success this season. With his goal contributions and hard-working mentality, Maddison looks set to continue his fine form and help Spurs achieve their goals this season.