‘Keep improving’: Ange Postecoglou hints Tottenham already have Harry Kane replacement after Bournemouth win

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou says summer signing James Maddison will only ‘get better’ after his sterling display in their 2-0 win over Bournemouth.

The £40million signing scored his first goal for the club to set the Lilywhites on their way with Dejan Kulusevski sealing the win.

Maddison bagged two assists on his debut against Brentford before excelling in the home win against Manchester United. He already looks a bargain and has contributed to the brilliant start to the campaign but manager Ange Postecoglou says he’s only getting started.

He told reporters: “There wasn’t anyone happier than me when we got him. I was delighted. I wouldn’t say I’m surprised, but I’m overjoyed at the footballer I’ve got.

“The way he’s embraced the whole club, where he’s at in his life. He really wants to be the person. He’s that creative force for us. He works hard, he wins the ball back, and presses. He’s not like he comes to life when we’ve got the ball.”

The former Leicester City star was a doubt for the game having only trained once before travelling with the team to the South Coast. “He’s had a disrupted week,” Postecoglou said.

“He only had one session with us, but for him to put on a performance like that is a credit to him. And I think there’s more to come, when he gets more understanding with our forward players and they get more knowledge with him. He’s going to keep improving. If we got him in the bargain bin, that’s great for us.”

The 26-year-old has taken to life in north London as a Duck to water, something his manager says is down to the style of football being played at the moment.

The Spurs boss added: “I think the way we play more than sort of maybe me personally definitely suits him because it requires us to have the ball, play in the opposition half. It gives guys like him the opportunity to receive the ball in areas where they can do the things they love to do rather than us limiting the amount of times he gets on the ball.

“We’re trying to give him and the other creative players as much as the ball as possible for them to do the stuff that they love to do. I think the way definitely suits him.”