James Maddison names the Tottenham player he admired as a youngster

James Maddison has revealed that he loved watching Christian Eriksen in a Tottenham shirt when he was growing up in the lower leagues.

The former Leicester midfielder signed on the dotted line with Spurs this week, following in Eriksen’s footsteps as an exciting, new creative force in the midfield.

During his time in North London, Eriksen played 305 games for Tottenham, scoring 69 goals and assisting 90 times in all competitions (TransferMarkt).

Maddison has posted a similarly impressive set of numbers in the Premier League for Leicester over the years, with 55 goals and 41 assists in 203 games (TransferMarkt).

It remains to be seen what number Maddison is given at his new club, but if Pedro Porro takes the number 2 shirt, Eriksen’s old 23 may become vacant ahead of the new season.

Maddison was a big fan of Eriksen at Tottenham

Maddison even referenced the number in his first interview with Spurs this week.

He said (Tottenham Official – as relayed by Football London): “I always watch football and talk football. I’m a football man.

“Christian [Eriksen] was one of my favourite players growing up, when I was in the lower leagues especially when he was in hot form at Tottenham. That iconic number 23, Eriksen.

“He was just someone who would produce quality moments at this football club and to swap shirts with a player like that ilk was something very special to me.

“Hopefully I can bring that enthusiasm and that football love to this club and hopefully that will translate into good stuff on the pitch.”

Spurs Web Opinion:

I would love to see Maddison take the 23 shirt just so we can recycle the old Eriksen chant. Maddison’s name even fits perfectly! I would assume his number will either be that 23 or perhaps the number 11 if it is vacated by Bryan Gil.