James Maddison has been sidelined for over two weeks after picking up a calf strain, leaving Tottenham fans eagerly awaiting his return to the pitch.
However, despite his absence, the Spurs midfielder has come under fire from Roy Keane, who questioned when Maddison would “step up” for the team, especially given their ongoing struggles this season.
Spurs’ Struggles and Maddison’s Absence
Tottenham, under manager Ange Postecoglou, has had a tough season so far, plagued by injuries that have left them languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.
Maddison, one of the key players for Spurs, has been out since last month due to his calf injury, with fans hoping for his quick return to boost the squad.
However, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast by Sky Bet, Roy Keane suggested that Maddison’s absence might not be as significant as many believe. Keane was skeptical about whether Maddison could truly make a difference for Spurs in their current situation.
Keane’s Criticism of Maddison’s Impact
Keane bluntly questioned when Maddison would “step up” for Tottenham, pointing out that while the player is talented, his track record doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.
“When is he going to step up to the plate?” Keane asked.
He further emphasized that despite being a good player, Maddison hasn’t been the difference-maker that Spurs need.
Keane also pointed out Maddison’s relegation with Leicester City, suggesting that the midfielder might also face a similar fate at Spurs.
“If you think he’s going to come back and get Spurs into the top six, you’re in cuckoo land,” Keane remarked, casting doubt on Maddison’s ability to turn Spurs’ fortunes around.
Maddison’s Performance Despite Limited Appearances
While Keane’s comments were harsh, Maddison’s contributions for Spurs this season cannot be ignored.
In the 22 appearances he’s made, 15 of which were starts, Maddison has managed an impressive tally of eight goals and four assists.
His most standout performance came in November, when he scored twice in Spurs’ 4-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Keane acknowledged Maddison’s attacking talent but also expressed concerns over his consistency.
“I saw him at City when they won 4-0, and I thought he blended quality in attack with good defensive work,” Keane said.
“But the problem with him is that he’s not consistent.”
Injuries Continue to Haunt Tottenham’s Season
Tottenham’s injury woes have been a major storyline this season, with manager Postecoglou regularly forced to rely on younger, less experienced players.
In their recent 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, Spurs had 11 first-team players unavailable due to injury, including key names like Cristian Romero, Richarlison, and Maddison.
As a result, Spurs were busy in the winter transfer window, bringing in new recruits such as Antonin Kinsky, Kevin Danso, and Mathys Tel to strengthen the squad.
With their injury-ravaged team, Tottenham is in desperate need of a spark, and Maddison’s return is seen as crucial to that effort.
A Must-Win Match Against Manchester United
Looking ahead, Tottenham faces a must-win match against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
Postecoglou will need his squad, especially the likes of Maddison, to step up and deliver a strong performance if they hope to turn their season around.
Roy Keane’s comments may have added fuel to the fire, but the pressure is certainly mounting on Maddison to prove himself when he returns from injury and help Spurs back to form.
Keane’s thoughts were shared during his appearance on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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