Paul Scholes Praises £40m Tottenham Star as Nicky Butt Picks Best Summer Signing
Paul Scholes has praised Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison, saying the England international has the quality to make Spurs play better football when he is fully fit. Meanwhile, former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has named Sandro Tonali as his favourite Tottenham signing of the summer.
Maddison moved to Tottenham from Leicester City in 2023 in a deal worth around £40 million. Since joining Spurs, he has become one of the club’s most creative players, contributing 16 goals and 21 assists in 79 appearances across all competitions.
However, the midfielder’s progress was interrupted last season after he suffered a serious ACL injury. His return was then delayed further after he picked up a shoulder problem during Tottenham’s game against Brentford.
There is now growing hope that Maddison could be available when Tottenham take on Everton this weekend. His return would provide a major boost to Roberto De Zerbi, who will have to consider how best to fit the midfielder into his strongest starting XI.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast alongside former Manchester United teammate Nicky Butt, Scholes also discussed Tottenham’s difficult start to the campaign and what could lie ahead for the club.
Scholes admitted that Spurs were fortunate to come away with a point from their most recent match following a controversial goal-related incident. Butt, however, remains confident that Tottenham have enough quality to challenge for a place in the Premier League’s top six.
Butt pointed to Tottenham’s impressive summer recruitment and believes the team should become more consistent as the new players settle into De Zerbi’s system.
Scholes agreed that patience would be required, particularly after Tottenham endured a disappointing previous campaign and finished as low as 16th or 17th. He suggested that rebuilding a squad with so many new faces would naturally take time.
According to Scholes, Spurs may need six, seven or even eight matches before they truly begin to click under their new manager.
When Butt was asked which Tottenham signing he considered the best of the summer, he immediately selected Tonali.
Scholes also acknowledged the quality Tottenham added during the transfer window, mentioning players such as Omar Marmoush and Savinho among the club’s other exciting arrivals.
Butt also believes Maddison’s return could feel like another major signing for Tottenham, considering how little football the midfielder managed to play last season.
Scholes was particularly complimentary about Maddison’s ability. He believes the midfielder’s technical quality and creativity can significantly improve Tottenham’s style of play.
The former Manchester United and England midfielder made it clear that he is a big admirer of Maddison and believes De Zerbi must find a way to use him regularly once he is fully fit.
Scholes also noted that the atmosphere around Tottenham has been negative for several seasons. However, he believes a short winning streak could quickly transform the mood surrounding the club.
If Spurs can put together two or three consecutive victories, Scholes feels they could build confidence, gain momentum and begin moving up the Premier League table.
Despite Tottenham’s difficult start, Scholes remains optimistic about their prospects. He believes De Zerbi’s side can recover once the squad settles into the new system and several important players return from injury.
