James Maddison had a clear response to his critics, especially Roy Keane, after netting the decisive goal against Manchester United on Sunday.

His celebration wasn’t just about joy—it was a statement.

Keane had recently questioned Maddison’s impact on the Spurs squad, doubting whether he could truly ‘step up’ amid the team’s struggles this season.

With this goal, Maddison seemed to deliver his answer loud and clear.

Spurs’ Injury Woes and Maddison’s Absence

Tottenham have had a rough season, dealing with multiple injuries that have left them languishing in 12th place in the Premier League table.

Maddison himself had been sidelined for five games due to a calf strain, missing action since late January.

His return to the pitch, however, was anything but quiet.

The midfielder played a pivotal role in Spurs’ victory, showing just how much his presence was missed.

Keane’s Criticism and Maddison’s Response

Roy Keane didn’t hold back in his recent comments on Maddison.

Speaking on Stick to Football, Keane questioned the midfielder’s ability to make a real difference for Spurs.

“We saw James Maddison at Tamworth, he was taken off! Tamworth are non-league.

People say, ‘Maddison’s the man,’ but when is he going to step up to the plate?” Keane remarked.

The former Manchester United star also pointed out Maddison’s history with relegation at Leicester City and suggested that expecting him to lift Spurs into the top six was unrealistic.

Proving the Critics Wrong

Maddison’s performance against United spoke for itself.

In just his 16th league appearance of the season, he scored his ninth goal, along with four assists, making him Spurs’ top scorer ahead of teammates like Heung-min Son and Dominic Solanke.

His 13th-minute strike not only secured a much-needed win for Tottenham but also served as a direct response to the criticism he had faced.

After the game, Maddison addressed the outside noise.

“It’s always difficult being out injured. You miss one game or ten, you’re always champing at the bit to get back.

I went into the game today knowing I can be the difference,” he said.

He emphasized his role in the squad, adding, “I’ve always been a goalscoring midfielder.

That’s why Spurs brought me here. I’m there to be that creative outlet and score goals.”

Battling Through a Tough Season

Spurs have been without key players like Timo Werner, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Dominic Solanke, and Richarlison, which has made their campaign even more challenging.

Maddison acknowledged the difficulties, giving credit to his teammates who have had to carry the load in his absence.

“To be fair to the boys who have been fit all season, we don’t want to make excuses, but the last few months have been really difficult,” he admitted.

“It’s nice to be an injured player coming back to take the pressure off them.”

What’s Next for Spurs?

With Maddison back in action, Spurs will be hoping for a turnaround in their season.

The team still faces an uphill battle, but if the midfielder continues delivering performances like this, his critics may have little left to say.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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