TTLB Opinion: Should Tottenham sell James Maddison?

Let’s do some fact checks around him & his state at N17

James Maddison has the technical quality that makes him an invaluable asset in the squad at N17, and his market value at the moment remains very strong (~£50–60 million). See, the problem is not Maddison; it’s whether the project at Tottenham can use the England international’s talent at Hotspur Way.

The former Foxes midfielder has been elite with his passing and creativity in the final third. And given that he has the ability to progress from medium/high press situations, he is a needed character at Tottenham.

But he doesn’t fit into how Ange Postecoglou likes to operate his midfield, and then he doesn’t have that defensive work rate and struggles to do his part in intense defensive running at times. Moreover, his injury is another concern.

The thing with Maddison is he is currently operating in an eight-role but with a chain tying him up to the left flank. This takes away much from his creative abilities, and we are seeing the emergence of the same on the field. During his time at Leicester City, Maddison was used in more of a number ten role in a 4-2-3-1 with a license to ping in balls and operate in pockets. He was playing direct football (much like how Tottenham plays) but was pinning the majority of his balls from the second phase into the final phase to get the most out of the runners upfront. And in a settled possession in the final third, he used to take up spaces out wide on the right flank to drop shoulders and put in crosses. But his area of operation was very wide; you could say more of a free role.

So now (in a way), Ange is restricting his output.

Bryan King backs Maddison exit.

Former Tottenham head scout Bryan King also thinks that the North Londoners should sell Maddison if a bid around £50 million were to pop up for his signature. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Tottenham News, he said:

“Spurs paid around £40million for Maddison. Therefore, they will want at least £50m. I would say anywhere between £50-60million would be accepted. Maddison has had some positive moments at Tottenham and got himself into the England team.

“However, he has also lost his place in the England team due to his inconsistency.”

Does James Maddison deserve another chance at Tottenham?

With Ange Postecoglou’s job under scrutiny, many would think that if Maddison were to survive the Australian head coach’s reign at N17, then he could have a more important role to play at the club under whoever takes charge at Hotspur Way. Moreover, if the North Londoners end up selling Maddison, the Lilywhites will be dangerously reliant on Kulusevski for chance creation, and that is a huge strategic risk, especially if they do not sign a replacement.

And talking about replacement, bringing in a midfielder that has the ability to replicate Maddison’s creative output would cost £60–80m in today’s market (e.g., Eze, Kudus); that is not a financially smart plan.

Lastly, if Daniel Levy ends up selling Maddison after the difficult season that the club has endured, it may trigger a negative fan reaction and affect squad confidence.

Author Opinion

If a £55m bid were to come in for Maddison, then Tottenham should sell him, but if that doesn’t come around, then the club should base the midfield around Maddison in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system where he has two athletic midfielders (e.g., Bentancur and a new 6) shielding him to minimise defensive liabilities, and the club uses him more in a free role centrally rather than isolating him out wide.