Most likely, Maddison, who has joined Spurs in a £40million deal from Leicester, will predominantly play as one of two No8s in Postecoglou’s preferred 4-3-3 system, which the Australian most frequently used at Celtic.
The role would give the England international licence to push forward to No10 with cover behind, likely to come from two of Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur (when fit), Oliver Skipp and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (although the Dane’s Spurs future is uncertain).
The role should suit Maddison, who loves to receive the ball on the half-turn and play forward and should chip in with plenty of goals and assists, but is best when unshackled from excessive defensive duties.
James Maddison in midfield
/ Evening StandardThe 26-year-old, though, could also operate as an inverted left winger in Postecoglou’s three-man attack, as he has done for Gareth Southgate’s England.
In this scenario, he could play alongside Harry Kane and one of Heung-min Son and Dejan Kulusevski, offering trickery and invention from the flank – as Jack Grealish, say, does for Manchester City.
James Maddison on the wing
/ Evening StandardAnd playing Maddison on the right might also suit the Spurs squad, particularly if he was in front of the rampaging Pedro Porro. With Maddison tucking inside into pockets space, Porro, who is much better going forward than defensively, would have the freedom of the right flank to get up and cross.
