James Maddison was Man of the Match for Spurs against Manchester City, and he embodied an Ange Postecoglou XI showing the best of the team’s ability.
Having been left out of Tottenham’s last two starting line-ups before the international break, James Maddison returned to the team wanting to ensure he isn’t left out again soon.
Scoring twice and being integral to Tottenham’s play all across the pitch, Maddison rightfully earned the Man of the Match award against Manchester City. Likely a perfect present on Maddison’s 28th birthday.
His engaged pressing and attacking runs created the two goals which he put away in the first half. Additionally, dropping back to help build up and defend, Maddison was a part of everything positive Tottenham were able to produce.
Spurs star, James Maddison said after the game (BBCSport): “That’s a birthday I’ll look back on quite fondly. To come here to the champions and perform like that and get the result. You have to cherish these ones, they don’t come around often.
“I thought we were brilliant. It was everything we wanted to show of a top Spurs team. We were clinical, we had cutting edge, we pressed at times. We weathered the storm, had grit and determination and scored four brilliant goals.”
Speaking to SkySports (Main Event 23/11/24 at 20:15), Maddison said: “The gaffer took me out for a tactical reason because he wanted Sarr and Kulusevski, two really fit lads who can go and press for 90-100 minutes, for a couple of games.
“I have a lot of self-belief. If I go through tough spells like that, where I’ve got two games out, I’m able now at the age I am, to be able to say ‘I’m going to go and show you this team is much better with me in it.'”
This was a performance which reminded everyone exactly why Maddison is so important to this Spurs team. He reads the game expertly and gives everything to help the team where they need it.
While Tottenham are likely to rotate for their next game in the Europa League, Postecoglou will have to handle the best kind of problem in deciding who is too good to be left out.
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