James Maddison insists Tottenham will “never be happy with a point” under “leader of men” Ange Postecoglou, as they began life without Harry Kane with a 2-2 draw at Brentford.
Maddison, one of four Spurs debutants, created goals for Cristian Romero and Emerson Royal, but Bryan Mbeumo’s penalty and a Yoane Wissa strike ensured a point apiece.
Shortly before kick-off, Kane was officially unveiled as a Bayern Munich player after calling time on 19 years at Spurs in a deal worth at least £100million.
“It's an okay result but you never want to be happy with a point, especially because we dominated in the second half,” said Maddison.
“But we'll take the positives and I think that will lead to more three points down the line. It's the first game in this new system with a new manager so we're all learning on the job.
“[Postecoglou] wants us to attack! To attack and have the ball. It's not enough for him to be passive and play in a simple, slow way. He wants attacking, he wants a lot of players forward, full-backs inside and possession...all the stuff everyone talks about.
“He's very thorough with it, I'm very impressed to be honest. He's a real leader of men, real thorough messages. Real honest, straight-down-the-line man.
The midfielder added: “I just love playing football. There's no better feeling than walking out in the Premier League and playing, especially at this massive football club.
“I got a brilliant reception from the Spurs fans and I'm very thankful for that. Hopefully it's the start of a good journey.”
On Saturday, Maddison was named as one of Spurs’s new vice-captains along with Romero, with Heung-min Son taking over the armband from Hugo Lloris.
“I wasn't expecting it at all,” said the England playmaker. “It was a lovely surprise, I had no idea to be honest.
“Since I've come in, I've just tried to be myself and lead, and take responsibility on my shoulders, which is when I'm at my best.
“I'm 26 now, I'm quite an experienced player. I've played a lot of games in the Premier League and we've got quite a young team with young players. You never really see yourself as a senior player but your age creeps up and you almost become one.
“I'll take on the role with pride and try to help the team as much as I can. [But] the armband is just a label. My role now will be exactly the same as what it would have been if someone else was named vice-captain. That's just how I am. He might have looked at me and how I've been and thought my qualities suit that role.
“But I would have been that way anyway because I didn't have it when I first came in. I'm very appreciative but nothing will change for me and I'll just try to use my experience to help the squad.”
