'Big credit': James Maddison names the Tottenham player he was seriously impressed with in 5-0 Southampton win
Given the jekyll and hyde nature of Tottenham Hotspur this season, fans travelling down to Southampton from N17 were fortunate to be treated to one...
Given the jekyll and hyde nature of Tottenham Hotspur this season, fans travelling down to Southampton from N17 were fortunate to be treated to one of the club’s thrilling away performances this time around.
Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side simply proved far too good for Southampton, something that was immediately apparent in the first minute.
James Maddison relished his role playing back as the number 10, a player who has already tasted a 9-0 victory at St Mary’s with Leicester City in the past.
Spurs showed some humility in the second half on this occasion, content to protect their five goal lead and return to north London unscathed.
James Maddison says Djed Spence deserves ‘big credit’ for Southampton display
Of course, Maddison wasn’t the only excellent performer in a Tottenham shirt – Djed Spence also thrived in a rare opportunity.
Postecoglou has been hesitant to involve the 24-year-old full-back this season, failing to include him in his Europa League squad for example.
But Spence was brilliant on both sides of Spurs’ defence in the win, providing the initial assist for Maddison to get the scoring going.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Maddison gave ‘credit’ to Spence and shared what he had told the forgotten defender just before kick off.
Maddison said: “He’s been patient and he’s a great lad. He is a laidback character and I don’t think he needed too much of a pep talk.
“But I told him before the game to go out and do what he does best. It was a great pass from him and big credit to Djed for that.”
Djed Spence thrives in 5-0 Southampton rout
Tottenham fans were delighted with Spence, although they were frustrated towards Postecoglou in equal measure following his performance.
Many of the club’s supporters simply can’t understand why Postecoglou hasn’t been willing to use the full-back more, especially when Pedro Porro’s form has often been indifferent.
Perhaps Spence will now be handed more chances as a result, but there’s reason to believe that Postecoglou may not count on the defender long-term.
Postecoglou spoke about Spence after the win, and whilst he praised the former Middlesbrough player, he didn’t exactly get carried away.
Either way, with Spurs’ defensive injuries, it’s only a positive to have one more exciting talent pushing for minutes in N17.
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