Tottenham secured a dominant 4-1 victory over West Ham after the international break, with a strong second-half performance. However, one of the key talking points from the match was James Maddison’s substitution at half-time.
Despite playing a crucial role in the first half by assisting Dejan Kulusevski’s equaliser, Maddison was replaced by Pape Matar Sarr when the score was level at 1-1.
Football pundit Tony Cascarino commented on the situation, noting that Maddison appeared visibly upset with the decision to be taken off. Cascarino pointed out that the midfielder seemed disinterested in post-match interviews, signalling his frustration with Ange Postecoglou’s tactical move.
Cascarino suggested that Maddison might be facing a challenge in securing his place as a regular starter in Tottenham’s starting XI. While the Englishman is widely recognised for his exceptional technical abilities, Cascarino questioned whether the midfielder is being given the same central role he may have been accustomed to in previous teams.
Under Postecoglou, Maddison may need to adapt his game to fit into a broader team dynamic rather than being the central focus of play.
Tottenham midfielder James Maddison in actino vs West Ham. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
James Maddison is fighting for his career at Tottenham
Speaking on The Game Football Podcast, Cascarino said:
“He made a big call at half-time, Postecoglou, taking Maddison off. It felt like Maddison was in the way in midfield. I was told afterwards that Maddison wasn’t happy, the TNT people were there and they said he wasn’t happy Maddison, he just stormed, I wouldn’t say stormed, he walked past them and didn’t want to interview.
“He’s fighting for his career at Tottenham after a year really. I say his career as a first-team starter in their best XI. I’m not sure he’s convinced by Maddison’s role in the team. He’s a great footballer, technically superb, but he has to be the main man, and he isn’t now.”
Postecoglou explained his reasoning after the match, emphasising that the substitution was purely tactical. He stated that he wanted more energy and mobility in the midfield, which Sarr brought to the game.
The tactical change proved successful, as Tottenham netted three goals in a period of eight minutes after the break, sealing a comfortable victory.
Former Spurs scout Mick Brown has already claimed that Ange will not shy away from dropping Maddison when needed.
As Tottenham push forward in the season, it remains to be seen what Maddison’s role will be in the team going forward.