Postecoglou looks stupid after what ‘brilliant’ Tottenham star did v Hoffenheim. Ange Postecoglou eased some of the pressure on his shoulders as Tottenham beat Hoffenheim 3-2 on Thursday.
Tottenham are in a strong position to automatically qualify for the next round of the UEFA Europa League after their win at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena on 23 January, with Postecoglou’s future thought to be dependent on Spurs’ progress in cup competitions this season.
The Spurs boss was criticised for his decision to start Son Heung-min in Germany. However, the South Korean silenced his doubters, scoring two crucial goals to secure three points in Europe for his side.
Another player whose contributions were vital to the win is midfielder James Maddison, who opened the scoring against Hoffenheim, with Glen Hoddle in awe of the goal.
While commentating live on TNT Sports’ coverage of the match, the former Spurs star said [via BBC Sport, 23 January, 5:50 pm], “Magnificent ball from Pedro Porro.
“The run from James Maddison was brilliant – Hoffenheim step-up, Richarlison goes towards the ball and Maddison runs in behind, he takes it beautifully. Great start for Tottenham.” And Maddison’s strike makes Postecoglou’s treatment of the playmaker as of late look all the more stupid.
James Maddison stars for Tottenham v Hoffenheim. Maddison has been benched in five of Spurs’ last six Premier League matches, with suggestions that the 28-year-old could even look to quit the club as a result.
However, based on his performance in Germany on Thursday, it is difficult to see why he hasn’t been playing regularly in league competition – especially with all the injury issues in North London.
As per Sofascore, in addition to his goal, Maddison also provided an assist for Son while completing 92 per cent of his passes, with three of those key.
Spurs were forced to play long balls often against Hoffenheim, which was no problem for Maddison who was accurate with 100 per cent of such passes. He also chipped in defensively, making two clearances and one tackle.
It was a performance which would no doubt have sent a message to Postecoglou, and if the Australian decides to keep benching the Englishman, he would only have himself to blame if he were to be sacked.
In other Tottenham news, the club are huge favourites to sign one player after a £55million update.
