Spurs could take Maddison to new heights with late move for £50M PL ace
After a disappointing start to their Premier League campaign, Tottenham Hotspur bounced back with a commanding victory against Everton, securing their first win of the season. Ange Postecoglou’s side showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity, leaving fans optimistic about the season ahead.
Central to this resurgence was club captain Son Heung-min, who netted twice, and last summer’s £40 million signing, James Maddison, who delivered a standout performance with an assist, reminding everyone of his immense talent.
However, to fully capitalize on Maddison’s abilities, Tottenham may need to bring in a tenacious midfield partner to support him throughout the season. One name that has emerged as a potential candidate is Wolverhampton Wanderers’ João Gomes.
James Maddison’s arrival in North London last summer was met with high expectations, and the midfielder quickly lived up to the hype. Coming off a stellar season with Leicester City, where he contributed 19 goal involvements in 32 games, Maddison’s transition to Tottenham was seamless. In his first ten league appearances under Postecoglou, he scored three goals, provided five assists, and appeared poised to become one of the Premier League’s standout attacking midfielders.
However, Maddison’s momentum was abruptly halted by an ankle injury during Tottenham’s 4-1 loss to Chelsea in November. The injury sidelined him until late January, and upon his return, the dynamic midfielder struggled to regain his early-season form. In his final 17 league games, Maddison managed just one goal and four assists, a significant drop from his pre-injury performance.
The injury undoubtedly impacted Maddison’s form, but it wasn’t the sole factor. Tottenham’s overall performance dipped following the Chelsea defeat, with the team struggling to keep clean sheets and dropping crucial points. This instability made Maddison’s job more challenging, emphasizing the need for a strong, reliable midfield partner to help him maintain consistency throughout the season.
To prevent another season of uneven performances from Maddison, Tottenham should consider signing a tenacious and hardworking midfield partner. Such a player would not only complement Maddison’s strengths but also provide the stability needed to keep the team’s midfield functioning effectively. One player who fits this profile perfectly is João Gomes.
João Gomes, currently plying his trade with Wolverhampton Wanderers, has emerged as a potential target for Tottenham. Reports suggest that Gomes is “in the sights” of the North London club, with a potential transfer fee of around £50 million being discussed. While this may seem like a hefty price tag, Gomes’ attributes make him a valuable addition to Tottenham’s midfield.
Gomes is known for his versatility, capable of playing both as an “all-action eight” and in a more defensive “six” role. This flexibility would allow him to assist with defensive duties in the middle of the park, freeing Maddison to focus on creating and scoring goals. Data analyst Ben Mattinson has described Gomes as a “dog of a ball winner,” highlighting his tenacity and ability to disrupt opposition attacks, qualities that would be invaluable to Tottenham’s midfield.
Statistically, Gomes’ defensive prowess is impressive. According to FBref, Gomes ranks in the top 1% of midfielders for tackles, the top 2% for tackles won, the top 3% for tackles plus interceptions, and the top 7% for blocks across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League, and the Europa League. These numbers underscore his ability to protect the backline and regain possession, allowing more creative players like Maddison to thrive.
In addition to his defensive capabilities, Gomes brings valuable Premier League experience, having played in England’s top flight for a season and a half. This experience would enable him to adapt quickly to Tottenham’s system and make an immediate impact, unlike less proven alternatives who might require a longer adjustment period.
Tottenham Hotspur cannot afford another season where James Maddison’s form dips in the second half. To ensure Maddison can maintain his early-season brilliance, the club must bolster its midfield with a player who can handle the physical and defensive demands of the Premier League. João Gomes fits this profile perfectly, offering both defensive solidity and Premier League experience.
While securing Gomes’ signature may require a significant financial outlay, the potential benefits for Tottenham are substantial. By adding a player of Gomes’ caliber to their ranks, Spurs can provide Maddison with the support he needs to excel throughout the season, helping the team maintain control in matches and ultimately challenge for higher honors.
As the transfer window draws to a close, Daniel Levy and the Tottenham hierarchy should prioritize bringing João Gomes to North London. His addition could be the key to unlocking Maddison’s full potential and ensuring Tottenham has a midfield capable of competing at the highest level.
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