Ange Postecoglou still doesn’t appear to fully trust Tottenham star James Maddison.
The Englishman has faced his fair share of criticism this season, with Roy Keane recently tearing into the midfielder.
However, Maddison responded perfectly by scoring the match-winner on his return from injury as Postecoglou’s side beat Manchester United 1-0 in the Premier League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday (16 February).
It marked the midfielder’s ninth Premier League goal this term and inspired Tottenham to a big three points in a game which was overshadowed by off-field protests against Daniel Levy and ENIC.
However, despite his impressive goal return this season, it seems as though Maddison still isn’t assured of a regular place in Postecoglou’s midfield three.
James Maddison “unsettled” at Tottenham?
Maddison has been benched seven times in the Premier League already this season, which has resulted in speculation that the 28-year-old might have fallen out with Postecoglou.
And Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes the Australian’s constant chopping and changing of his midfield is unsettling.
“Maddison’s numbers this season have actually been really good,” Wenham said.
“For an attacking midfielder, he has scored more goals in the Premier League than most clubs’ strikers have this season. Therefore, for Maddison to score on his return, with all the recent criticism, I was delighted for him.
“I feel he is always deserving of a starting spot. However, Postecoglou seems to change his midfield every week, which means Maddison has never really been settled during Postecoglou’s entire tenure.
“It does feel to me like the midfield changes all the time. However, Spurs’ strongest midfield should always include Maddison.”
James Maddison to start more regularly at Tottenham?
Maddison will feel as though he has done enough to warrant a regular starting place for Tottenham.
In addition to his nine goals in the Premier League, the former Leicester City midfielder has also provided four assists. Therefore, the numbers on paper suggest he should be one of the first names on the team sheet.
However, for some reason that hasn’t always been the case, and Maddison will need to continue working hard to demonstrate to Postecoglou that he is an undroppable player.
