“James Maddison has been exceptional since signing for Spurs but I think I am better than him”: Tottenham star has sidelined James Maddison and named his self as the best Spurs summer signing. [Full Details]
Had awards been handed out after the first couple of months of the Premier League season, Tottenham Hotspur’s James Maddison may have taken the main prize for being the division’s best player.
James Maddison was absolutely exceptional for Spurs, scoring three goals and providing five assists as the club made a flying start to life under Ange Postecoglou.
Tottenham were leading the way in the table. And Maddison was arguably the player of the season following his £40 million switch.
Guglielmo Vicario may have been an even better signing for Tottenham than James Maddison
However, Tottenham have had to deal without Maddison since their defeat to Chelsea due to injury. And he is not expected back for a little while yet.
But with that, one of his teammates has arguably done what would have previously seemed impossible by staking a claim to be considered an even better signing from this past summer.
Few would have heard much about Guglielmo Vicario before he joined in the summer. Maddison was actually one of them. The 27-year-old had only enjoyed a couple of years as a number one in Serie A before his switch. And it appeared to be a big gamble to turn to the Italian to replace Hugo Lloris.
Spurs’ risk paying off in a big way
However, that gamble is proving to be absolutely inspired. Vicario has been a revelation since his arrival.
Peter Schmeichel claimed that Vicario was the best player on the pitch in their win over Everton at the weekend.
In fact, no goalkeeper has performed better against their expected goals conceded tally than Vicario, according to FBRef.
In fairness to Maddison, no player in the Premier League boasts a higher number of shot-creating actions per 90 minutes than him (via FBRef). So you could not argue with those who believe that the attacking midfielder has still been Tottenham’s best summer signing. He is certainly the team’s superstar.
But when you consider that Maddison cost more than twice as much as Vicario, the goalkeeper is definitely giving him a run for his money.
And when you think about how good Maddison has been, that is an amazing accomplishment from Vicario.
