James Maddison sets Tottenham target during exciting Roberto De Zerbi revelation

James Maddison has been speaking to Tottenham's official channels about the club's prospects this season under Roberto De Zerbi

James Maddison insists perfectionist boss Roberto De Zerbi has ignited the fire within Tottenham.

The demanding Italian, who steered crisis-hit Spurs to safety on the final day of last season, is slowly glueing the pieces of a broken football club back together.

Maddison, reenergised after recovering from an ACL rupture sustained in Seoul one year ago, is relishing the chance to wipe the slate clean, explaining: “The manager is very clear that the goals are to be better, to play better football, to be passionate, to be proud to play for this club.

"I think if we listen to his style, the way he wants, his principles, I think if you keep the short-term targets of trying to be better and trying to implement the way he will play, the long-term targets will be better.

"It's just a matter of still learning the way he plays. As a player, he's a coach we want to play for because he loves everything with the ball, very attacking. I'm really excited.”

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Tottenham have already splashed a club-record £237million on six shiny new signings including £100m on Sandro Tonali and £85m on Mateus Fernandes.

De Zerbi has also warned rivals that they intend to upgrade their attack before the September 1 transfer deadline.

Three of their new recruits - Andy Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi - are defenders and Spurs are yet to concede a goal in pre-season to date, indicating early signs of improvement.

Maddison feels everything is now in place for a "big season" as Tottenham finally seek to fulfil their potential and become a real force in the Premier League.

He added on the club's tour of Oceania: “Preparation, it's just great preparation. It's the only chance we get to come on these trips and these tours to see our fans around the world. We're preparing for the first game of the season against Brentford [August 22].

"It's a big season for us under a new manager. We want to have a successful season. We need to be better than the last couple of seasons. This is all preparation leading to that first game.

"The games against Sydney and Chelsea, we're just stepping up the preparation and what we've been working on, creating the team how we want to play and the style we want to play.”

Spurs face Sydney FC on Wednesday before colliding with rivals Chelsea on Saturday. While De Zerbi is utilising pre-season to further implement his expansive style of football, he is also running the rule over a number of fringe and youth players.

Highly-rated winger Mikey Moore, wanted by Rangers and FC Koln, Jamie Donley and Dane Scarlett are striving to force their way into De Zerbi's ambitious plans while 17-year-old gem Luca Williams-Barnett is targeting a breakthrough senior campaign in north London.

Manor Solomon is still expected to depart on a permanent transfer despite starting friendly victories over MK Dons and Auckland FC. Spurs are also waiting for Juventus to formalise interest in goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who was left behind for the tour.