James Maddison has admitted he had enjoyed his time on Tottenham’s Asia-Pacific pre-season tour, remarking that the trip has been invaluable for him to get to know his new teammates better.
The attacking midfielder seems like a natural fit for the number eight role in Ange Postecoglou’s system, and by the sounds of it, he has also fit in perfectly with the group off the pitch.
The 26-year-old stated that spending a couple of weeks with his teammates is the ideal way to get to know them as individuals following his move from Leicester City.
Maddison told the club’s official website: “It’s been a really good Tour so far. This is a very easy group to transition into, I said that a week ago and I reiterate it now we’re a week better off.
“The beauty is that you get to know your new team-mates really well, members of staff, you have to, you’re together 24/7, under the magnifying glass, and when you are with the same group for that amount of time you find out what people are into, common interests, that sort of thing and that’s how you build relationships.”
The Spurs squad have been put through some high-intensity drills in the sweltering heat and humidity of Thailand and Singapore, but Maddison insisted that this kind of preparation will hold the squad in good stead for the challenges that lie ahead during the upcoming campaign.
Maddison is enjoying the hard Spurs pre-season
When asked about training and playing in the heat, he said: “You have to deal with it, first and foremost. You sweat – a lot – so you have to rehydrate heavily during and after.
“It does take a lot out of you, but it can only be good, can only be beneficial and that’s the way the manager wants to play, you have to do it, it’s non-negotiable.
“You have to run, you have to work hard, you have to press. In the freezing cold, I’m not sure his philosophy will change, so it’s grit your teeth and get through it, all good.”
The former Leicester City man also admitted that he has been quite impressed with the general quality of training during his first few weeks at Spurs.
When asked how training has been, he said: “The level has been very high, to be honest. The quality of the squad…
“I’ve played against these players for many years, but when you’re training with them and see them in the detailed, tactical stuff, even in the passing and shooting drills you really get to see your team-mates, and the quality has been very high, I’ve been very impressed, and long may that continue.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Maddison comes across as quite easing going and humble, and should thus have no issues integrating into the dressing room at Spurs.
Based on some of his recent social media interactions, it seems like the 26-year-old is already becoming quite a popular member of the squad.
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