Joe Cole backs Tottenham star to become the ‘best player in the league’ again

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Tottenham Hotspur are enjoying a great campaign in Ange Postecoglou’s maiden season in charge at Spurs.

Postecoglou hit the ground running at Tottenham, with Spurs going top of the table after 10 games and looking like dark horses for the title.

Now, with eight games left to play this season, Tottenham remain very much in contention for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.

Aside from his great tactics and man-management, Postecoglou has always been pretty good when it comes to the transfer market.

Spurs have signed numerous top players this season, with James Maddison arguably the most high-profile signing they have made in 2023/24.

The 27-year-old was outstanding earlier in the season, registering six goals and 11 assists in his first 11 league games for the Lilywhites.

Sadly, Maddison subsequently suffered an ankle injury which ruled him out until the end of January.

Since returning to action, the £40million man has had to move back up the gears, his form not currently at the same level as what he produced prior to his injury.

What has Joe Cole said about Tottenham star James Maddison?

Joe Cole, speaking on TNT Sports ahead of Tottenham’s meeting with West Ham, said Maddison was “arguably the best player in the league” at the start of the season.

The pundit also said the Spurs man is “getting up to speed”, suggesting he has what it takes to get back to those levels.

“He’s getting up to speed,” said Cole. “Up until then he was arguably the best player in the league, he was on fire, he was scoring goals, making goals.

“And this Tottenham side is outstanding, I’m a massive fan of Ange and the way his team is set up.

“That midfield is really strong and that’s crucial in where the game’s going to go tonight. Maddison is the key man, he is the one that makes them tick – just an outstanding footballer.”

Tottenham should sign another creative star to ease James Maddison workload – TBR View

Sadly, Maddison wasn’t at his best against West Ham, struggling to make much of an impact. However, he was once again the subject of numerous fouls from opposition players.

As per The Athletic, the 27-year-old is the fourth most-fouled player in the Premier League this season, despite missing a fair few games due to injury.

That said, Maddison has still done very well in a number of games since his return, for instance in the 4-0 hammering of Aston Villa a few weeks ago.

Next season, Tottenham should certainly look to bring in an adequate deputy for Maddison to cater for the fact he’s being targeted a lot and, as a result, will risk more injury layoffs.