Tottenham came down from a goal down to beat West Ham 4-1, in a game that saw James Maddison get taken off at half-time.
The English midfielder did not have the worst of games, and even provided an assist for Dejan Kulusevski’s first-half equaliser.
In the 45 minutes Maddison was on the pitch, he contributed significantly to Spurs’ attack. He assisted Kulusevski’s equaliser and recorded a 91% passing accuracy. Additionally, he created five chances with an expected assist (xA) of 0.60, made five touches in the opposition’s box, and completed six passes into the final third. (FotMob)
However, despite that, manager Ange Postecoglou decided to take him off, with Pape Matar Sarr coming on for him with the match tied 1-1.
Postecoglou’s tactical move proved effective, as Spurs quickly scored three goals in a span of eight minutes in the second half, securing a dominant victory.
James Maddison in action for Tottenham vs West Ham (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Ange Postecoglou could axe James Maddison
Former Tottenham scout Mick Brown has weighed in on the situation, suggesting that Postecoglou’s decision to take off Maddison shows that he is prepared to make bold tactical changes, including dropping key players like Maddison if it benefits the team.
Brown highlighted Maddison’s talent but noted that the England international’s influence can wane in tightly contested matches, particularly when the game’s flow doesn’t suit his style.
He told Football Insider:
“I appreciate what James Maddison can do. But it’s almost as if the game has to be run for his benefit, whereas the elite players in his position put their stamp on the game and dictate the way it’s played.”
“If it’s a 50/50 battle of a game, he can go missing.
“From what I’ve heard, the manager could look to drop him from the starting XI from time to time.
“He won’t be afraid of making big calls and that is one that he may have to make.
“Postecoglou will be looking at who they’re playing against, and will change his system to suit the game.
“Maddison might be able to take advantage of teams that are weaker in midfield, for example, but in games like the one at the weekend they can leave him out.
“We saw against West Ham the difference that dropping him out of the side can make, and I’d expect to see that on a more regular basis now.”
James Maddison has had mixed season so far, with some brilliant performances and some ‘sloppy’ ones. But he remains a key part of Ange’s side and is expected to play a key role as the Australian aims for a top 4 finish in his second season with Spurs.