Tottenham Hotspur's midfield maestro James Maddison has lifted the lid on the fascinating transfer advice he received from England colleague Jude Bellingham during his £40 million move from Leicester City last summer.
The 27-year-old playmaker, who has taken the Premier League by storm since arriving at Spurs, revealed that Real Madrid superstar Bellingham offered crucial counsel about his career-defining decision to join Ange Postecoglou's revolution in North London.
The Madrid Connection
Speaking candidly about their conversations, Maddison explained how Bellingham's insights proved invaluable during the transfer process. "We spoke when I was moving clubs," Maddison confirmed, highlighting the bond that has developed between the two England internationals.
Despite Bellingham's own blockbuster move to Spanish giants Real Madrid occurring around the same period, the 20-year-old phenom made time to guide his international teammate through one of the biggest decisions of his career.
North London Wisdom
While Maddison didn't disclose the exact nature of Bellingham's advice, the Tottenham star emphasised how much he valued the input from his younger but vastly experienced colleague. The discussion becomes particularly intriguing given Tottenham's fierce rivalry with Arsenal, another club that had shown interest in midfield reinforcements.
Maddison's revelation offers a rare glimpse into the private conversations that shape football's biggest transfers, showing that even elite players seek guidance from their peers when facing career crossroads.
Proving the Doubters Wrong
The move has proven inspired for both player and club. Maddison has emerged as Tottenham's creative heartbeat under Postecoglou, registering two goals and five assists in his first eleven appearances before suffering an ankle injury in November.
His immediate impact silenced any questions about whether he could make the step up to a top-six club, with his performances earning him the Premier League Player of the Month award for August.
Meanwhile, Bellingham's own career continues to reach stratospheric heights at Real Madrid, where he's established himself as one of world football's most dominant forces despite his tender age.
England's Bright Future
The partnership between Maddison and Bellingham in the England setup promises exciting times ahead for Gareth Southgate's Three Lions. Their off-field connection and mutual respect could translate into devastating effectiveness on the international stage.
As both players continue to excel at their respective clubs, England fans will be dreaming of what this creative partnership could achieve in major tournaments to come.
