Spurs star James Maddison loved what this Coventry City player did in Middlesbrough triumph | OneFootball

Tottenham ace James Maddison was impressed by Tatsuhiro Sakamoto as Coventry City defeated Middlesbrough 3-1 in the Championship.

Tottenham star James Maddison has kept a close eye on Coventry City developments since leaving the Sky Blues to join Norwich City back in 2016.

Frank Lampard's men defeated title rivals Middlesbrough 3-1 on Monday night to return to the top of the Championship table thanks to Haji Wright's hat-trick.

The Sky Blues had endured a poor run of form in the lead-up to their hotly anticipated clash with Boro, but they chose the best possible time to get back to winning ways.

Coventry now lead the way in the Championship with just 14 league games remaining, and should be confident of booking their place in next season's Premier League.

James Maddison praises Tatsuhiro Sakamoto as Coventry City defeat Middlesbrough

The Sky Blues' victory over Middlesbrough means that the Teesside outfit have failed to win at the CBS Arena since it opened back in 2005.

Meanwhile, former Coventry man Maddison was impressed by Tatsuhiro Sakamoto's performance, as the winger's skill played an instrumental role in the build-up to Wright's opening goal.

Maddison wrote "Sakamoto" alongside three clapping hands emojis on his Instagram story, which showed he was watching the game on television while lauding the wide-man's efforts.

The Japan international has scored four goals and produced three assists in 26 Championship appearances this term, while Monday provided another example of how the 29-year-old can have a strong impact on games without producing a direct goal contribution.

His direct speed, energy and craft up and down the right-flank is a huge asset for Frank Lampard's side, which Maddison himself could see firsthand next season if the Sky Blues can complete a long-awaited Premier League return.

Coventry have been the best team in the Championship for long spells of the season, and the second-tier table accurately depicts that.

However, before Monday's vital win over Middlesbrough, the Sky Blues had endured more defeats than they had earned victories in the league since the turn of the year.

Lampard's men previously held a 10-point lead over Boro, which was overturned by Kim Hellberg's side before their defeat at the CBS Arena.

Coventry must now ensure they utilise the momentum from their triumph over their title rivals, as a place in next season's Premier League is still on the line.

There is a six-point gap between the Sky Blues and third-place Millwall, which is arguably more important than the one-point lead they hold over Middlesbrough.

Meanwhile, fourth-place Ipswich Town are currently eight points below the league leaders, but Kieran McKenna's men have two games in hand on both Coventry and Boro, which will keep both top-two sides under pressure.

Lampard's side have proven their class by getting the better of their title rivals following a poor spell of form, but may have to be at their best again when they face West Bromwich Albion this Saturday.

The Baggies have endured a woeful season, which is portrayed by the fact that they sit just two points clear of the Championship relegation zone.

However, now that the business end of the campaign is upon second-tier outfits, West Brom will be more eager than ever to ensure they avoid the drop to League One, which could lead to uncharacteristically strong performances.