Paul Merson says Tottenham have signed a truly ‘outstanding player’
In order to complete the signing of Brennan Johnson, Tottenham Hotspur was active well after the transfer deadline.
Wales’ national team player was officially acquired by Spurs from Nottingham Forest for a sum reportedly in excess of £45 million.
Johnson joins a Tottenham team that has undergone a major transformation over the past several months and is entering a new phase.
Harry Kane has left, Ange Postecoglou has replaced him, and several new players have joined the team as others have left.
One of the newest players at Spurs, James Maddison, has gotten right to work at N17.
The England international has one goal and two assists in three Premier League contests.
The Tottenham summer acquisition contributed two assists to the Lilywhites’ season-opening draw with Brentford.
On the way to a 2-0 victory on the south coast last weekend, Maddison scored the first goal against Bournemouth.
‘Good start’
Paul Merson called Maddison a “outstanding” player in his preview of Tottenham’s Saturday matchup with Burnley.
He also praised fellow Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma, stating that he is currently performing well.
Merson did fault Spurs for fielding a depleted squad in the League Cup matchup with Fulham, though.
He continued by predicting that Tottenham and the Clarets would draw 1-1 at Turf Moor.
He posted on Sportskeeda that Tottenham Hotspur “have started the new Premier League season quite well.”
In the second round of the League Cup, they were defeated by Fulham. If I’m being honest, I don’t understand why Postecoglou would rest his first-team players.
“They have achieved nothing. Therefore, despite their strong start, the fans will be upset if they play Burnley and lose.
“James Maddison is a fantastic player, and Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma is currently having a strong game.
But by losing to the Cottagers in midweek, they placed pressure on themselves.
When there are so few awards available, it seems odd to put yourself through that.
Our view
Postecoglou deserves praise for his purchases this summer, especially Johnson and Maddison.
Both players have Premier League experience, which is essential for a side that had a poor season the last time out and urgently needs to become better.
The likes of Micky van de Ven and Guglielmo Vicario have also joined at the same time. Despite being new to the Premier League, they still have a lot of experience at the highest level.
Overall, Tottenham appear to be a highly intriguing team, and even if their League Cup loss was upsetting, they weren’t completely destroyed. Penalties were used, which is always a little bit of a lottery.