View: 88% gem dazzles in Tottenham win v Brentford, Deeney loves 'Perfect' answer to critics

James Maddison’s display for Tottenham against Brentford on Saturday (21 September) earned him a place in Troy Deeney’s Premier League Team of the Week.

Deeney included Maddison as one of three midfielders in his selection for BBC Sport following the weekend’s matches, saying the England star’s display against Brentford was one he’s been waiting for.

Maddison scored in the 85th minute to round off a 3-1 comeback win for the Lilywhites, notching his first goal of the season in a superb all-round showing as Ange Postecoglou’s side got back to winning ways.

Deeney said: “This is the game I’ve been waiting to see [Maddison] do for a long, long time. He created loads of chances.

“I’ve been critical of him at times. I felt he has gone too short and not put himself in difficult positions – this was the perfect response.”

James Maddison dazzles in Tottenham victory over Brentford

Highly influential at his worst, Maddison was absolutely unplayable at his best in this London derby, as Postecoglou’s side recovered from Brentford going 1-0 up inside the opening 30 seconds.

Being withdrawn to a standing ovation just minutes after his game-sealing goal, Maddison registered 0.92 xG and a whopping 1.08 expected assists [SofaScore], despite not managing one of the latter.

That points to just how creative the England star was for Spurs in the final third, completing 88 per cent of his passes including two long balls from four attempts, and creating three big chances in the process.

Maddison also had two shots on target, one of which hit the back of the net, while another big chance was missed and another blocked as the Tottenham number 10 got forward at every possible opportunity.

Heavily involved in midfield throughout the clash, Maddison won 14 of his 23 overall ground duels, including seven successful dribbles from 11 attempts as well as winning four free-kicks for his side.

The 27-year-old didn’t shirk his defensive responsibilities either, putting in an interception, two clearances and three tackles apiece to prevent Brentford from building on their early lead.

It’s a performance that has got both Spurs and Maddison back in top form, and Postecoglou will hope the playmaker can continue such displays as his side look to challenge on multiple fronts.

In other Tottenham news, one academy gem deserves to be handed a first-team opportunity after what he did recently.

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