Former Tottenham midfielder and coach Gus Poyet believes that if Ange Postecoglou decides to play James Maddison as a number eight behind the front three, the two other midfielders will have to do a lot of defensive work for the team to function properly.
Posteclogu’s system relies on midfielders making runs into the box and making an impact in the final third, which is perhaps why Spurs prioritised signing an attacking midfielder this summer.
In Maddison, the Lilywhites have secured someone who has been one of the best playmakers in the Premier League over the last few years, with the 26-year-old even scoring 10 times and registering nine assists in 30 league matches for a relegated Leicester side last season (Transfermarkt).
Maddison will need to adapt to new Spurs role
Poyet believes that now is the right time for the England international to demonstrate that he can be an important player for a top side but he suggested that Tottenham’s back four and holding midfielders will have their work cut out to accommodate the former Foxes star.
The Uruguayan told 888Sport: “I think the James Maddison signing is very interesting and it will be important to see if he can adapt.
“Last season Tottenham didn’t play with a proper number 10, and they played with three in attack, so it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the middle of the pitch.
“If they play with two wingers and a striker, for instance with Son Heung-min or Richarlison, Harry Kane and Dejan Kulusevski, along with Maddison, then the two behind them in midfield have to be two animals because they will need to run all game and defend for everyone, and the back four will have to be outstanding.
“The system will be very important, and I don’t know if they will play with four or five at the back. In terms of quality, Maddison will bring plenty and I think it’s time for him to make the step up to being a consistent and important player in an important team.
“Next season, if Tottenham play with a back four I would like to be able to know the back four for certain every week, with no questions over any of the positions. When you know your back four for certain that is when you are at your best because you’re solid.
“The rest of the team are the ones taking the headlines, but the base of the team is the goalkeeper and the back four, and I want to see Tottenham be solid there.”
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We know that Postecoglou is going to set up either in a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1, with Bissouma and Bentnacur (when he is fit) starting in the middle alongside Maddison.
If Postecoglou does decide to include Ndombele as part of his plans for next season, I do wonder if he would be brave enough to play the Frenchman as a number six or if he will be cautious by using him as a number eight in rotation with Maddison.
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