Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou made a brave call to take off James Maddison at half-time against West Ham and it paid off
Tottenham Hotspur came from behind to beat West Ham United 4-1 at home in the Premier League on Saturday, courtesy of goals from Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, Son Heung-min and an own-goal from goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
It was a much-needed reaction after Spurs’ disappointing defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion just before the international break. Three of their four goals notably came after Ange Postecoglou decided to take off James Maddison for Pape Matar Sarr at half time.
The England international was not effective in his role as a free No.8 in the first half, even if he did contribute to Spurs’ equaliser. As a result, Big Ange decided to replace him with Sarr, who brought energy and running power to combat West Ham’s Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez in the middle of the park.
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Now, Tottenham ex-scout Mick Brown claims that Big Ange will not think twice about dropping Maddison from the starting XI after what happened against the Hammers. He says the Spurs gaffer will evaluate his first XI every game to decide whether or not the 27-year-old will start.
“I appreciate what James Maddison can do,” Brown exclusively told Football Insider.
“But it’s almost as if the game has to be run for his benefit, whereas the elite players in his position put their stamp on the game and dictate the way it’s played.
“If it’s a 50/50 battle of a game, he can go missing.
“From what I’ve heard, the manager could look to drop him from the starting XI from time to time.
“He won’t be afraid of making big calls and that is one that he may have to make.
“Postecoglou will be looking at who they’re playing against, and will change his system to suit the game.
“Maddison might be able to take advantage of teams that are weaker in midfield, for example, but in games like the one at the weekend they can leave him out.
“We saw against West Ham the difference that dropping him out of the side can make, and I’d expect to see that on a more regular basis now.”
Maddison has been counted as one of the best creative midfielders in the Premier League. Technically gifted, the Englishman is a joy to watch particularly on his full tilt. He has been a vital player for Spurs since joining from Leicester City in the summer of 2023.
With his creativity, vision and set-piece prowess, the 27-year-old made an immediate impact on Big Ange’s team. He has started all of Spurs’ opening eight Premier League games this season, despite not being effective in certain fixtures. Maddison struggled to contribute much off the ball in the first half against West Ham and Big Ange rightly took him off, bringing on Sarr to add balance in midfield.
The Tottenham boss showed on Saturday that he is not afraid to make big calls when required and is willing to drop star players from the team if they don’t perform the bare minimum expected of them.
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Plus, the transformation of Dejan Kulusevski as a central midfielder this season has been a treat to watch for the fans, and if the likes of Yves Bissouma and Sarr can provide steel and physicality in the engine room, the Swede has the qualities to compensate Maddison’s creativity and incisive passing very well. With more time and concentration, the Greek-born tactician thinks Kulusevski can get more assists and goals from his new midfield role.
All in all, don’t be surprised if our gaffer decides to cut Maddison from his starting XI in one of Spurs’ upcoming Premier League games if it benefits the team.
