Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison has been subject to massive criticism following his underwhelming performances off late, which has led to Ange Postecoglou pushing the former Leicester City star into a bench role at White Hart Lane. However, the England international found a way to display his quality in the North Londoners’ 4-1 win over Aston Villa at the weekend. The 27-year-old started on the bench yet again against Unai Emery’s side, with the Australian head coach preferring Dejan Kulusevski over Maddison.
However, when the hosts led 3-1 and Richarlison felt his hamstring in the 82nd minute, James Madison was asked to take off his bibs and get on the pitch. Maddison late cameo highlights his quality The game looked done when he took the pitch, though he did find a way to add to the score and remind the former Celtic manager about his quality and capabilities. Maddison scored a brilliant free-kick in the injury time to secure the win for Tottenham, showcasing his exceptional skill and precision from dead-ball situations.
Former Arsenal forward Alan Smith acknowledged that it would have been difficult for Maddison to be left out of the starting eleven on a consistent basis, but he went on to insist that there are only a few better free-kick situations than the former Leicester City maestro as he raved about the “beauty” goal that the 27-year-old netted to seal the fourth goal and three points. Alan Smith, speaking on Sky Sports (via. BBC ), said: “Big b.