Tottenham badge, James Maddison
Ange Postecoglou has made the decision to drop James Maddison as Tottenham line up to face Nottingham Forest on Thursday.
The 28-year-old was one of the only bright lights during Spurs’ 6-3 thrashing against Liverpool last time out, scoring the first of three goals to start what could have been a comeback.
Despite this, he is one of three changes as he exits for Brennan Johnson, with Yves Bissouma replaced by the returning Rodrigo Bentancur and Pedro Porro replaced by Destiny Udogie [Official X account].
Of course, Postecoglou will feel he has to make cut-throat changes after Arne Slot’s Reds ran riot in North London but Maddison should feel hard done by after being dropped to the bench again.
Postecoglou will be looking for a reaction from his players after the 6-3 thrashing by Liverpool last time out, a game which was a real eye-opener for the Lilywhites.
Despite the heavy defeat, Maddison scored with a 100 per cent shot accuracy, completed 82 per cent of his passes, made four passes into the final third and won two fouls [FotMob].
He also won 100 per cent of his tackles, entered into six ground duels, made two interceptions and made three recoveries.
Maddison only played 58 minutes at Hotspur Way, suggesting that he would be more than fit enough to go again at The City Ground, but Postecoglou has decided against him.
The Australian could live to regret that decision, especially given how in-form Forest have been this season. Maddison could have unlocked their defence, but he will have to do so as a substitute.
Of course, the likes of Son Heung-min, Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski should have more than enough talent to support Dominic Solanke, but it is a baffling decision, nonetheless.
In other Tottenham news, the Lilywhites have been linked with a shock Leeds transfer raid, according to this Spurs insider.
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