“I hate that he plays for Arsenal, because Arsenal is a small team compare to Spurs” – James Maddison reveals the one Gunners player he wishes was at Spurs
England international James Maddison has revealed the one Arsenal player he wishes was at Tottenham Hotspur.
Spurs have enjoyed an impressive start to life under Ange Postecoglou, with Maddison being one of the key performers for the new boss since arriving from recently-relegated Leicester City during the summer transfer window.
However, with the 27-year-old being one of many injured players at the club, Spurs have endured a dip in form over recent weeks, after suffering losses to Chelsea, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa in three of their previous four matches.
Although they may have got back on track following an impressive 3-3 draw with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, thanks to goals from Son Heung-min, Giovani Lo Celso and Dejan Kulusevski.
Despite their strong start, the club currently find themselves in fifth place following their recent dip in form. Whereas local rivals Arsenal are flying high at the top of the Premier League table.
Speaking to former goalkeeper Ben Foster, Maddison admitted that he is envious that one key player plays for their North London rivals in red, after claiming he has ‘everything’ a professional could need in the modern game.
“He’s got everything. He’s technically really good,” the Spurs man admitted about Gunners midfielder Declan Rice. “He is a joke when it comes to low-cut passes. I think he’s a top, top player, I hate that he plays for Arsenal.”
Rice has been integral to the success of Arsenal so far this season, with Mikel Arteta’s side currently holding a two-point advantage over Liverpool in second place. The 24-year-old has started every game for his new club, scoring two goals and adding one assist in the process.
Maddison also had high praise for another midfield maestro, who both he and Rice work with while away on international duty with England. Speaking about Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, he added: “I think I’m his biggest fan. He just loves footy. I just had no doubt (that he’d succeed at Madrid), because of his mentality.
“He’s got a 30-year-old mentality of a Premier League veteran who’s played 600 league games… the way he carries himself and the way he speaks, it’s of the highest order.”
