In Focus: Assist king Maddison able to fill Kane void

William Furness
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James Maddison is hoping to add some much-needed creativity at Tottenham
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James Maddison enjoyed a sparkling Tottenham debut.

He assisted both goals in the first half of his new side’s 2-2 against Brentford, offering Spurs fans a first proper glimspe of his outstanding creativity.

The 26-year-old England international's £40million capture from Leicester already looks like one of the signings of the summer window. 

Ahead of a tantalising clash with Manchester United this afternoon, we analyse exactly what Maddison brings to Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Fast start

It only took 11 minutes for Maddison to set up his first goal in Spurs colours.

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The No10 whipped a delightful dead-ball delivery into the box which Cristian Romero nodded home for the opening strike of an entertaining contest.

Maddison then doubled his assist tally in first-half stoppage time when sliding the ball into Emerson Royal on the edge of the box, who unleashed a brilliant low strike.

His exploits in West London should come as no surprise. Maddison has the sixth-most assists of any player since making his Premier League debut (34).

James Maddison grabbed two assists on his Premier League debut for Tottenham

Big impression

Postecoglou has been full of praise for his new midfield star and it is clear he has made a big impression already.

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The Aussie boss said: "I was really excited to bring James into the group knowing what we needed to build here. 

"He's been brilliant since he's come in to be fair, not just in the games but in training. 

"An area the club needed some bolstering was midfield threat in terms of goals and assists and Madders definitely provides that."

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou believes James Maddison can be a key man for his side

Wider influence

Maddison's influence on proceedings against the Bees stretched much further than his two assists.

The former Foxes ace created the most chances of any player on the pitch (six) — double Rico Henry’s next-best total of three. 

The 26-year-old was a constant menace on the ball, making each of his 87 touches — the third-most of any player — count. 

Spurs dominated possession for large periods and Maddison's willingness to constantly show for the ball was a huge factor in that.

James Maddison was influential in the attacking third for Tottenham against Brentford

High praise

Maddison earned plenty of praise for his performance last Sunday, with Micah Richards singling the midfielder out in his post-match analysis.

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Richards said: "I just think [Maddison] is a wonderful player. Whether he’s playing as a No10 or No8, he’s good on the ball, good from set-pieces. 

"I think he’s going to have a real impact in this Spurs team."

Tough test

Postecoglou’s new-look Spurs side face a stern test against Manchester United this afternoon. 

Now without the world-class Harry Kane, who left to join Bayern Munich last week, Maddison must shoulder even more attacking responsibility. 

Tottenham’s all-time leading scorer offered both goal threat and a creative presence and leaves a significant void in his boyhood club's attacking ranks.

However, Postecoglou has wasted little time in handing Kane's old No10 shirt across to Maddison — a vote of confidence if there ever was one.

He will hope to start repaying his manager's faith with a dazzling performance against the Red Devils.

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Tottenham HotspurPremier League

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