Tottenham star James Maddison has been unfairly criticised at times this season by certain pundits
Tottenham Hotspur star James Maddison has come under a lot of scrutiny this season.
Spurs have been enduring a disastrous campaign that currently sees them languishing in the 13th spot in the Premier League. They have also been knocked out of both the domestic cup competitions.
Ange Postecoglou has had to deal with a number of injury problems over the course of the campaign. The 59-year-old has been forced to go in several matchdays with depleted squads, with him missing players in double figures on many occasions.
This has led to chronic inconsistency in the levels of performances and results, and given just how much the Lilywhites have suffered, trying to place the blame on just one player seems extremely unfair.
James Maddison has made the headlines for many reasons but not much more than his off-field feud with Manchester United legend Roy Keane. The duo have engaged in a subtle back-and-forth over recent weeks, with the Tottenham playmaker responding with his goal celebration in the 1-0 win against Manchester United after coming under criticism from the Sky Sports pundit. The 28-year-old’s celebration involved placing his finger on his lips in a clear message to his naysayers.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Maddison reckoned he has become ‘a scapegoat’ at Tottenham, but he “doesn’t mind taking the heat” rather than being directed to young talents such as Lucas Bergvall or Archie Gray.
“Yeah but that’s okay, I’d rather that than them talk about Archie or Lucas. I don’t mind taking the heat a little bit,” Maddison told Sky Sports.
“I’m big enough and ugly enough now to take the hits and take the criticism because I know what I’m capable of, I know what I can do, I know my personal level and what people don’t see is what we do behind the scenes and how much we’re trying to improve and how much we work and it’s very cheap to go and sit and talk and criticise.”
Regardless of Maddison’s impressive 17-goal contribution in 36 appearances across all competitions this season, it seems as though he is not a guaranteed starter in Ange Postecoglou’s midfield three. He has started 17 out of 26 Premier League games thus far, with BBC Sport presenter Gary Lineker recently suggesting the Coventry-born talent may have had a bust-up with Ange behind the scenes.
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Having been criticised at times this season for going missing in certain matches—especially big games—Thursday presents the creative midfielder with a wonderful opportunity to shush his detractors when Tottenham host AZ Alkmaar in the return leg of the Europa League last-16 tie. Spurs’ entire season hinges on this game, as Ange’s boys must overcome a 1-0 first-leg deficit to advance to the quarter-finals of the competition.
Maddison has a great chance to step up and be counted in a big game, as Tottenham aims to beat the Dutch side.
