Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison has been subject to massive criticism following his underwhelming performances off late, which has led to Ange Postecoglou pushing the former Leicester City star into a bench role at White Hart Lane. However, the England international found a way to display his quality in the North Londoners’ 4-1 win over Aston Villa at the weekend.
The 27-year-old started on the bench yet again against Unai Emery’s side, with the Australian head coach preferring Dejan Kulusevski over Maddison. However, when the hosts led 3-1 and Richarlison felt his hamstring in the 82nd minute, James Madison was asked to take off his bibs and get on the pitch.
Maddison late cameo highlights his quality
The game looked done when he took the pitch, though he did find a way to add to the score and remind the former Celtic manager about his quality and capabilities. Maddison scored a brilliant free-kick in the injury time to secure the win for Tottenham, showcasing his exceptional skill and precision from dead-ball situations.
Former Arsenal forward Alan Smith acknowledged that it would have been difficult for Maddison to be left out of the starting eleven on a consistent basis, but he went on to insist that there are only a few better free-kick situations than the former Leicester City maestro as he raved about the “beauty” goal that the 27-year-old netted to seal the fourth goal and three points.
Alan Smith, speaking on Sky Sports (via. BBC), said:
“Big big win. Never looked like a 4-1 60 or 70 minutes in. Not easy for Maddison to be left out of a game like this but there’s few better in those situations. Not sure the wall was perfectly placed but there’s a fair bit of curl on it. It’s a beauty.”
This is not only a stunning strike showing his ability but also sends a message to the Greece-born tactician about Madison’s readiness to contribute when called upon.
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Do you think Madison made a statement with his free kick goal after coming on? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.