James Maddison breaks the ice between Tottenham teammates after an awkward match

BRENNAN JOHNSON has revealed how James Maddison broke the ice between Tottenham's £47.5million signing and Richarlison.

Spurs striker Johnson, then playing for ex-club Nottingham Forest, took out Richarlison with a brutal challenge at the City Ground.

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Johnson blasted the Brazilian striker after he showboated by doing keepie-uppies during the Premier League match in August 2022.

But the 22-year-old Welshman has opened up to the move from enemies to teammates after reuniting with Richarlison following his deadline day move to Tottenham in September.

Johnson said: “I had already been at the club for a day. I looked at the group chat and Madders had posted a video of me lifting Richy.

“He came up to me and said, 'I remember!'

'It was a good icebreaker.

“He has a good character. He is a really good boy and he loves being here and playing football.

“He played at Liverpool so he has some Scouse lines which are really funny.

“We've been clicked for a few goals. The way we both like to play suits each other.

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“He likes to get into the box and get in front of his man, and I like to get in the back and play the ball early or cross it. I've enjoyed being able to assist him a few times.”

Johnson has scored just once – away at Wolves – in 16 Spurs appearances with fans criticizing his end product in recent weeks.

But the striker, who is likely to start tomorrow's home FA Cup fourth round tie against Manchester City, admits he is learning every day under Ange Postecoglou.

Johnson told Tottenham's official podcast: “I love it. I feel myself improving every day working with the players and the manager.

“It's all I want to do at my age. I still have so much to learn.

“I play in a good football style every week next to great players.”