Mario Melchiot has noted how James Maddison being pulled into more defensive roles for Tottenham Hotspur is a sign of ‘trouble’.
The former Dutch star thinks that Tottenham’s new number ten is suited to being pushed higher up, and higher up only, as he told ESPN.
Whilst James Maddison won the Man of the Match award and supplied two assists during Spurs’ draw in the north London derby, it could have been very different – Callum Wilson has recently suggested that the playmaker thinks he’s too good.
When Arsenal were winning 1-0, the 26-year-old did pick the ball up from the edge of his own box, only to be robbed of possession by Gabriel Jesus, whose shot sailed well over the bar.
It could and would have been a very different game had that effort gone in – Paul Merson was pretty scathing of the Arsenal man after that.
Either way, it further proves how Ange Postecoglou’s demand to want his players as high up as possible, as much as possible, suits someone like James Maddison down to the ground.
Tottenham’s number ten – James Maddison
“We never saw a Maddison, for a guy who was playing so good at Leicester,” said Melchiot. “But they needed that creativity. I think that’s exactly what they have now.
“The only down part for Maddison is when he’s pulled backwards. Instead of playing the ten position. He almost came into the defensive role, and I don’t like seeing him there. That’s exactly when they started getting into trouble.”
Totttenham v Liverpool
Another big test for this ever-improving and fearless Spurs side, who come up against another in-form and unbeaten opponent on Saturday.
Liverpool look like their old selves and if Maddison can shine in this game by helping his team to a win, then it truly will elevate his game even further.
August’s Player of the Month would have then added his name to the shortlist of September’s Player of the Month.
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