James Maddison was dropped from the starting XI in Tottenham’s big win over Aston Villa

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou decided to axe James Maddison from his starting XI against Aston Villa on Sunday.

The creative midfielder had to be satisfied with a place on the bench with Postecoglou opting for a trio of Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski as his midfield options for the game.

The move worked out well as Spurs smashed Aston Villa 4-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League, albeit going a goal down once again at home. James Maddison came off the bench and scored a wonderful free-kick—his 50th Premier League goal—to cap a memorable afternoon for the hosts.

The England international’s goal against Villa boosted his chances of returning to the starting XI in the upcoming games against Galatasaray and Ipswich Town, after Big Ange decided it was best to move away from deploying him in the middle of the park with Dejan Kulusevski as they went in the hunt of bouncing back from the defeat at Crystal Palace last month.

According to an exclusive report from GIVEMESPORT, Maddison is facing a crucial week to convince the Spurs chief that he deserves to return to the starting XI on a regular basis.

The Coventry-born star has been one of the first names on Big Ange’s teamsheet since he arrived at the Hotspur Way from Leicester City last summer. He endured an injury-hit debut campaign in north London, yet managed 13 goal contributions in 28 league appearances.

The playmaker has been in decent form this season with three goals and as many assists in 10 appearances thus far, but Dejan Kulusevski moving centrally has stalled his development. However, the aforementioned report adds that it is Pape Matar Sarr who is blocking Maddison’s route to the starting XI after becoming a key component in the Spurs engine room during the early stages of the season.

The Englishman will be hoping for starting opportunities at Galatasaray in the Europa League on Thursday and against Ipswich Town at home in the Premier League on Sunday, meaning it is perhaps an important week for him to showcase his quality and mettle as the midfielder aims to provide the Spurs gaffer with a selection headache.

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Maddison is poised to be back in the first XI when Spurs host Ipswich Town in the league as he is likely to flourish against the newly promoted side, who are struggling for form. However, it is unsure as to whether he gets to start against Galatasaray at Rams Park or not.