When he first arrived at Tottenham Hotspur in 2023, most Premier League fans were baffled by the relatively modest price tag Spurs paid to sign James Maddison from Leicester City.
Maddison took to Tottenham brilliantly and actually looked to be inspiring a push for the title after 10 or so games alongside Ange Postecoglou in N17.
However, the England international, like a lot of his teammates, then succumbed to injury, and in truth, it’s all been a bit disjointed for Maddison ever since.
Missing with a calf issue recently, Maddison has played 31 games this season, yielding nine goals and six assists – decent numbers for an attacking midfielder.
And yet, even when he’s been fit, the former Leicester man has often been left on the bench by Postecoglou – something hasn’t quite been working.
Roy Keane questions James Maddison’s impact at Tottenham
That being said, Roy Keane shared some candid thoughts about Maddison at Tottenham on the ‘Stick to Football’ podcast.
Maddison was being tipped as one of those who will make a big difference for Spurs once he returns, sentiments that Keane disagreed with.
Keane eventually admitted that Maddison was a ‘talented player’, but he started off on a much more critical foot.
He said: “Hold on a second. Maddison coming in. We saw Maddison at Tamworth. He was taken off. Tamworth non-league. People said, Maddison is the man.
“When’s he going to step up to the plate? He got relegated with Leicester. He’ll probably get relegated with Spurs.
“Maddison isn’t bad. He’s not at the darts. But let me tell you, if you think he’s going to come back and get Spurs top six, you’re in cuckoo land.
“He’s a good, he’s a talented player. But if you’re a player in the Spurs dressing room and Madison’s back in the squad, you wouldn’t be looking and going, oh, he’s back today. We’re going to be fine.”
James Maddison has a fresh chance to impress Thomas Tuchel
Tottenham hope to have Maddison back against United, but it does remain to be seen if the playmaker would immediately be considered for the eleven in that scenario.
When given the chance as Postecoglou’s number 10, Dejan Kulusevski has arguably performed better this season.
However, Kulusevski will likely be pushed out wide as soon as possible given all the wingers that Spurs are currently missing.
It’s going to be a big 12-months or so ahead for Maddison, who will be determined to go to the World Cup with England next summer.
Maddison has a fresh chance to impress Thomas Tuchel, and Spurs will certainly welcome any improved form.