“James Maddison’s Post-Injury Struggles and Areas for Improvement at Tottenham”

James Maddison’s Struggles Post-Injury and the Path to Improvement

James Maddison has faced challenges since returning from his injury last season. After joining Tottenham from Leicester City last summer for an estimated £40 million, Maddison initially made a strong impression.

His early performances earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award for August, thanks to a goal and two assists in his first three games. However, a November ankle injury sidelined him until 2024, significantly affecting his form upon return.

Maddison ended the season with four goals and nine assists in 28 league appearances, a tally that he himself acknowledged fell short of expectations due to difficulties in regaining peak performance post-injury.

Danny Murphy’s Insight on Maddison’s Game

As Tottenham prepares for the new season, Maddison has attracted significant attention, with pundit Danny Murphy offering insights into areas where the England international can enhance his game.

Murphy, speaking on talkSPORT, highlighted two crucial aspects where Maddison needs to focus to maximize his impact at Spurs:

1. Durability
   Despite Maddison’s clear talent, Murphy believes improving his durability will be vital for his success. He noted that Maddison rarely lasts 90 minutes, which could be due to physical or mental factors. Improving his fitness to maintain performance levels throughout matches is essential.
2. Defensive Skills
   Murphy also suggests that Maddison needs to improve his defensive responsibilities, especially as a No. 10 in a three-man midfield setup. Doing so will make him a more well-rounded player and more valuable in big games.

Competition and the Road Ahead

With the addition of promising talents Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, who have impressed during pre-season, Maddison will face increased competition for his starting position. As Tottenham gears up for the new season, Maddison is expected to address these areas for improvement to solidify his role as a key player for Spurs.