Bournemouth 0-2 Spurs | Clive Allen on Maddison: “He’ll go from strength to strength”

Two assists on his debut in the opening day draw at Brentford, heavily involved in the second goal of our 2-0 win against Manchester United, ‘Madders’ this time opened the scoring with his first Spurs goal as we dominated the first half at the Vitality. Deki Kulusevski’s goal eventually saw us safely home after Bournemouth’s revival at the start of the second half.

It was no surprise that the England international claimed the MOTM honours - both from broadcasters, TNT Sports, and our fans - and no surprise presenter Ben Haines and legendary former striker, coach and now pundit Clive Allen were focussed on the midfielder during our Review Show on SPURSPLAY.

Here’s what they had to say...

Ben: “What an impact James Maddison has had, Clive…”

Clive: “He’s shown all his Premier League experience and his undoubted ability. He’s a great fit, he really is, and we’ve seen it again. I thought he was outstanding against Manchester United but this time, away from home, this role suits him perfectly and to score his first goal, he’ll be delighted about that. Everyone is delighted with their first goal for their new club. I think he will go from strength the strength."

Ben: “I know you were a fan of him before, but now you’ve watched him as a Spurs player - and you tend to watch players through a slightly different lens when they play for your club - what has surprised you about James Maddison?

Clive: “You knew his technical ability but we’re now seeing the qualities he has, fabulous receiving the ball, that awareness of what is going on around him but, for me, the fit here - the way he’s fitted into the role Ange Postecoglou wants him to play. I think we’re seeing the benefits of that already. Normally, that takes time, it builds, you have to gain the confidence of your new team-mates as well, but it just looks seamless the way he’s come into the team and he’s part of the club now. It all looks very good.”

Ben: “One of the things that has jumped out to me as well is that he has an unbelievable work ethic and humility as to the way he plays, as well, and when you have a player who is technically that good, there is a natural inclination to think of him as a ‘showy’ player, but his hard work is so underrated, isn’t it?”

Clive: “Yes, absolutely. You’re right about his humility and certainly in the way he spoke (in his post-match interview on the Review Show - below) about the impact of the substitutes, the way we’ll need the whole squad, the turn around ahead - he’s already looking towards Tuesday’s Carabao Cup game at Fulham and the possibility of good cup runs. He feels we could be a team that is very good in the cups, and I agree with him. He’s already looking at that, and I think that’s fabulous. I really like his attitude, he’s a great talker and you can see the other players have bought into what James Maddison is all about, how important he’s going to be for us.”