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Tottenham have been prolific in front of goal this season under Ange Postecoglou, but amid the star-studded cast, it’s a surprise name who boasts the most clinical touch in front of goal; a revelation that flips expectations on their head.

Spurs’ scoring prowess under Ange Postecoglou

Tottenham have stormed to the top of the Premier League scoring charts this season, finding the net 23 times in just 11 matches, and their goal tally rises to 35 across all competitions under Postecoglou’s energetic attacking style.

With 17.2 shots per game, they rank second in the league for attempts on goal; however, accuracy hasn’t always been their strong suit, as they also record the second most shots off target, averaging 6.3 per match.

Despite their impressive output, Spurs’ efficiency in converting chances has been inconsistent. They have created 137 opportunities—the third highest in the league—but their joint-third highest tally of 24 missed big chances reveals there is room for improvement.

This duality of sharp attacking flair and wastefulness has made their campaign thrilling yet unpredictable for fans and pundits alike.

Interestingly, the performances of Tottenham’s players in front of goal have shown a wide variance. While new signing Dominic Solanke has garnered attention for his all-round displays, data reveals his underperformance against expected goals (xG), netting four Premier League goals compared to an xG of 6.32. However, within this context of inconsistency, one unexpected name has quietly emerged as the club’s most lethal finisher.

The unexpected clinical star

When assessing Spurs’ attacking output, one might naturally think of Heung-min Son’s sharp finishing, but the data tells a different story. Yves Bissouma, a defensive midfielder by trade, has emerged as Tottenham’s most clinical player this season, defying expectations with his precision in front of goal.

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Research from Grosvenor Sport has shown that Yves Bissouma is leading the charts as Spurs’ most clical player with an xG of just 0.16 with his two goals, and is followed by Heung-min Son’s -1.56 score.

Bissouma’s contribution is all the more remarkable given his primary role as a disruptor in midfield rather than an attacking focal point. This statistical quirk offers a fascinating insight into how even less heralded players can contribute meaningfully in front of goal when given the opportunity, especially within a system designed to create waves of attacking pressure.

What this means for Spurs moving forward

Tottenham’s ability to spread the goal-scoring burden across the team will be pivotal as they look to sustain their impressive attacking form throughout the season. While Son Heung-min remains the talisman and new striker Dominic Solanke adjusts to life in North London, unexpected contributors like Bissouma are more than welcome to chip in with goals here and there.

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that Wilson Odobert, the promising young winger, has undergone surgery on his right hamstring after a series of injury setbacks.

Injury woes for Odobert

Wilson Odobert’s journey with Tottenham has been marred by unfortunate injuries, and his latest setback has left fans concerned about the future of the talented 19-year-old.

His hamstring issues first emerged shortly after his summer arrival at Spurs, with the winger sidelined for nearly a month.

The initial injury raised doubts about his ability to make an immediate impact, but after a period of rehabilitation, he made his return in Tottenham’s Europa League fixture against AZ Alkmaar.

However, Odobert’s comeback was short-lived. Despite his enthusiasm to contribute, he suffered a recurrence of the same hamstring injury during the match, dashing any hopes of a prolonged stint in the first team.

Fans were left frustrated by the interruption to his development, especially given the high expectations surrounding the French youth international.

This latest chapter in Odobert’s injury saga came to light yesterday through his own Instagram account, where the winger posted a photo of himself in a London hospital bed.

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The image offered a glimpse into his current situation and sparked widespread concern. While his injury was already known, the Instagram story only heightened the uncertainty over when he will be able to return to action and begin fulfilling the potential that Spurs had hoped for when signing him.

Surgery confirmed and next steps

Tottenham confirmed Odobert’s surgery with a statement on the official website: “Copied to clipboard” We can confirm that Wilson Odobert underwent surgery to his right hamstring yesterday (Saturday 16 November).

“The 19-year-old will continue to be closely monitored by our medical team to determine when he can return to training.

The announcement brought clarity to the situation, but also added a layer of concern as fans are now left to wait for further updates on his recovery timeline.

What’s next for Odobert?

Odobert’s injury story has been one of frustration. After initially sidelining him for nearly a month, the recurrence of the issue after his brief return to action against AZ Alkmaar only adds to the sense of misfortune surrounding his Spurs career.

While surgery offers the hope of a thorough recovery, it also raises the possibility of a longer spell on the sidelines.

Despite the setbacks, the young French winger has shown promise during his limited appearances, and Tottenham will be hoping that this surgery will provide a definitive solution to his hamstring issues.

The club’s medical team will play a pivotal role in ensuring that Odobert can return to full fitness and fulfil his potential at Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly explored a deal for a former Premier League winger in the summer, but their efforts fell through due to tax complications.

Tottenham were ready to offer Zaha a route back to PL

Tottenham strengthened their forward line with the signings of Dominic Solanke and Wilson Odobert in the summer from Bournemouth and Burnley respectively.

It turns out that the club also considered making a move for another attacker who has 305 Premier League appearances under his belt.

The player in question is Wilfried Zaha, who was allegedly the subject of interest from Spurs and other English sides but the transfer fell through because of a tax regulation.

Spurs’ failed move for Wilfried Zaha

This information comes from TBR Football, who say that Tottenham, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Leicester City considered signing the former Crystal Palace man in the summer.

However, it is explained that the Ivory Coast international would have had to pay income tax both in the UK and Turkey due to the fact he had spent just one year in Istanbul.

Additionally, many of these clubs reportedly baulked at the £9m valuation of the Galatasaray star, which is why he ended up joining Lyon on loan.

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Zaha has struggled at Lyon

Zaha’s time at the Ligue 1 club has not gone according to plan so far, with the wide-man having started just one game for Lyon this season (Transfermarkt).

The attacker is currently behind Malick Fofana, Rayan Cherki and Said Benrahma in the pecking order, with Lyon’s issues now having taken a further turn for the worse after the DNCG, the French football financial watchdog decided to hit the Ligue 1 club with a provisional Ligue 2 relegation as well as a transfer ban and the supervision of their wages (NY Times).

Additionally, the relationship between Zaha and Lyon boss Pierre Sage is reportedly strained after the Spurs target missed a training session earlier this season.

Tottenham Hotspur have not had the most positive start to the Premier League season, and the club will not be happy to see themselves at the top of the pile when it comes to one worrying statistic.

Tottenham Hotspur hit hard by injuries

Unfortunately, as things stand, Tottenham Hotspur are the team that has been affected by injuries the most so far this season.

A study carried out by Sky Sports looked at Premier League teams this season and tallied up the injuries their players have suffered and how many games it has seen them all miss.

Turns out, Tottenham have had 13 injuries resulting in a player missing at least one game, which puts them at the top of the list.

Brighton and Ipswich Town are just behind with 12 injuries leading to a player missing a game, followed by Crystal Palace and Aston Villa (both on 11).

Arsenal and Manchester City, two teams who have been very vocal about their injury issues, are further down the list with ten injuries apiece.

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Tottenham Hotspur can’t afford an injury crisis like last season

Tottenham fans will be covering their eyes looking at this particular league table, and will be praying that Ange Postecoglou’s side are not hit by another injury crisis like they suffered last November.

Last season, Spurs were missing James Maddison and Micky van de Ven from November through to the end of January, in a period which seriously harmed the club’s form.

Right now, the Tottenham injury list includes Wilson Odobert, Richarlison, and van de Ven, while Cristian Romero and Heung-min Son have also struggled of late.

Postecoglou will be hoping he can get through a hectic festive period now, which will include more Europa League action, as well as a Carabao Cup tie against Manchester United, without more afflictions hitting his squad.

The debate among Spurs fans continues to grow as Ange Postecoglou opts for Pape Matar Sarr over James Maddison in his starting XI.

While both players bring unique qualities to the side, the statistics behind these decisions reveal more about the tactical approach Postecoglou might be prioritising.

James Maddison’s journey under Ange Postecoglou

In the summer of 2023, Ange Postecoglou took over at Spurs and quickly stamped his authority on the squad, overhauling key areas of the team to fit his attacking philosophy. Among his first signings was James Maddison, who arrived from Leicester City, bringing creativity and flair to the heart of midfield.

Maddison thrived immediately, becoming a central figure in Postecoglou’s setup. Since his arrival at Spurs, Maddison has started 45 games across all competitions, contributing seven goals and 13 assists. His ability to unlock defences with incisive passes and an eye for goal made him a virtually undroppable player in the Spurs midfield.

However, the 2024/25 season has presented a fresh challenge for Maddison. Despite his proven creative capabilities, he now finds himself sharing minutes with the 21-year-old Pape Matar Sarr. The young Senegalese midfielder, who arrived at Spurs in 2021, has gradually risen to prominence under Postecoglou’s guidance. In the last four Premier League games alone, Maddison has played just 121 minutes compared to Sarr’s 229 minutes, sparking conversations about whether Postecoglou’s team selections are justified.

Interestingly, Maddison’s reduction in playing time coincides with Dejan Kulusevski’s deeper role in midfield. Once a key figure in Spurs’ attack, Kulusevski is now tasked with sharing creative responsibilities, further complicating Maddison’s route into the starting XI. But the question remains, does Maddison really deserve a place in the team right now?

James Maddison vs Pape Matar Sarr — what the stats say

When comparing Maddison and Sarr, the numbers paint an intriguing picture of two midfielders with distinct roles. Maddison leads in creative metrics, including 5.78 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes compared to Sarr’s 2.86, while also boasting the team’s highest rate of progressive passes (9.21 per 90). Additionally, Maddison’s ability to deliver through balls and crosses makes him a pivotal figure when Spurs need to dominate possession and create chances.

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Sarr, on the other hand, offers a different dimension. His defensive contributions shine, with 2.65 tackles per 90 minutes and an impressive 1.63 tackles won per 90, surpassing Maddison in key defensive areas. Sarr also excels in progressing the ball through his carries and passing into the final third, providing a balance between defence and attack.

From the numbers provided, it is clear that Maddison does his job quite well as he tops the chart for a couple of stats in the creative department. However, if you look at the numbers closely, the difference in the attacking stats for Maddison and Sarr isn’t all that huge.

Sarr proves his worth offensively too, with 2.65 carries into the final third per 90, edging Maddison’s 2.11, while his 128.4 metres of progressive carrying distance per 90 slightly surpasses Maddison’s 118.9 metres. He also dominates possession in the midfield, with 47.1 touches in the midfield third per 90, compared to Maddison’s 32.1, showcasing his pivotal role in linking defence to attack and maintaining control in crucial areas.

Sarr’s 79.0 touches per 90 reflect his involvement across all phases of play, marginally higher than Maddison’s 77.5. His 8.37 passes into the final third per 90, well above Maddison’s 5.92, further emphasise his ability to drive the team forward while maintaining defensive balance.

While all of these underlying metrics are great, here is one stat that I find really interesting, when Sarr is on the pitch, Spurs average 2.45 goals scored per 90 minutes and concede just 1.02 goals, compared to Maddison’s 1.97 goals scored and 1.32 conceded.

This clearly shows how important Sarr’s presence is to the team as they perform much better on the attacking front and defensive front.

Finding the balance

Postecoglou’s preference for Sarr over Maddison appears rooted in the team’s overall balance. With Kulusevski now contributing creatively from midfield, the need for Maddison’s playmaking has lessened, especially in games where defensive organisation is paramount. Sarr’s ability to win duels and transition the ball effectively provides Spurs with a solid foundation to control games against stronger opponents.

However, Maddison remains invaluable in situations where creativity is a must. Against a team where Spurs are expected to dominate or when chasing a game, Maddison’s presence could tip the scales, offering the kind of incisiveness that Sarr cannot replicate. Yet, Maddison’s recent performances have lacked the spark that once made him undroppable, leaving Postecoglou with little choice but to trust Sarr in the bigger moments.

The stats do justify Ange’s decisions. As for Maddison, however, he will need to elevate his output to reclaim his place, as the competition for midfield spots shows no signs of easing.

Since joining Spurs, Dominic Solanke has become a crucial component of Ange Postecoglou’s high-energy system, proving his worth as an all-round forward who is vital to Tottenham’s success. But just how good of a signing has he been? Let’s find out.

Spurs’ pressing system and Solanke’s role in reshaping the attack

Dominic Solanke’s arrival at Tottenham Hotspur this summer came with high expectations following his impressive 19-goal season with Bournemouth. Signed to lead Spurs’ attack, he was brought in as part of Ange Postecoglou’s strategy to build a front line capable of pressing from the front and reclaiming possession in the opposition’s half.

Solanke is tasked not only with scoring goals but with bringing a tenacity and work ethic that would align with Postecoglou’s high-pressing system, and the early signs have been promising; he has quickly established himself as a forward who doesn’t just wait for opportunities to come his way but actively participates in all phases of play, giving Spurs an edge in attack and defence alike.

Postecoglou’s style demands an intense, relentless approach to pressing, and Solanke has stepped up to deliver within the first-team squad. His heat map this season shows his involvement across the pitch, reflecting a player who understands the value of pressing and recapturing possession high up the field.

Tottenham’s system depends on this; by constantly pressuring opponents and winning the ball back in the final third, Spurs are able to launch rapid, sustained attacks. Solanke’s energy and stamina in these pressing situations have been critical, allowing him to support midfield link-ups, recover possession, and orchestrate attacks that give Spurs an immediate goal threat.

Solanke’s stats highlight his growth and Spurs’ evolution in attack

Since moving to Spurs, Solanke’s statistics reveal a more refined and well-rounded game than his time at Bournemouth, underscoring how well he has adapted to Tottenham’s system. Defensively, his improvement has been significant; he has won 66.7% of his tackles compared to just 47.8% last season, indicating his increased defensive commitment.(fotmob)

His aerial duel success rate has also climbed from 41.9% to 55.9%, showing his ability to contest effectively in the air, an essential quality for a striker in Postecoglou’s system as this helps the team to retain possession. Additionally, Solanke’s higher rate of recoveries and duels won demonstrate his pressing capabilities, a critical aspect for Spurs in regaining control and keeping opponents on the back foot.

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Offensively, Solanke’s impact extends beyond his goal tally, with his four goals supported by an expected goals (xG) of 5.49, revealing a strong goal-scoring threat. He has managed 14 shots on target from 24 attempts, displaying a respectable level of accuracy, though there remains potential for even greater clinicality.

His hold-up play has also excelled, helping him create four chances and an assist so far, which is a testament to his improved passing ability. Solanke’s successful pass rate of 72.2% includes an increase in accurate long balls, with his long-ball accuracy rising to 62.5%, a leap that aligns with Spurs’ quick transition game and highlights his readiness to connect with teammates and initiate attacks. His pressing and passing have both benefited Spurs’ system, proving that he is much more than a traditional target man.

In short, these defensive and offensive improvements show how Solanke has not only grown individually but has also elevated Tottenham’s overall play. By enhancing his contributions in pressing and possession, Solanke has demonstrated that he can both lead from the front and facilitate Spurs’ attacking flow.

Solanke’s potential to evolve into a complete forward for Spurs

Despite his immediate impact, Solanke’s full potential as a forward is yet to be unlocked, especially when it comes to goal-scoring, where fans are hopeful for even greater returns. His four goals are a strong start, but as Spurs’ main striker surrounded by creative players, he is expected to surpass his Bournemouth goal tally of 19 this season.

While his all-round play has been exceptional—particularly his ability to draw defenders and bring midfielders into play—adding more goals will be key in fulfilling the role envisioned for him. His work rate and understanding of Spurs’ pressing game have earned him a FotMob rating of 7.24, evidence of his impressive performances thus far.

As Solanke continues to develop his finishing, there is every reason to believe he will evolve into a complete forward who embodies the pressing and possession-based ethos that Postecoglou has installed. His all-round contributions this season have shown that he is an influential presence for Spurs, not only as a goal scorer but as a player who drives the team forward. I will even go as far as to say that he has been the signing of the summer for Spurs this season.

One journalist is reading between the lines of Ange Postecoglou’s comments about a Tottenham midfielder, asserting that the Australian does not trust the player yet.

Tottenham youngster has not had an easy start

Lucas Bergvall was always going to face a massive challenge in adapting to life at Tottenham, given the huge step he was taking in the summer from the Allsvenskan to the Premier League.

While the 18-year-old got a lot of Spurs fans excited with his performances in pre-season, he has not been able to replicate that consistently in the opportunities that have come his way in the Carabao Cup and the Europa League.

Bergvall is still waiting for his first Premier League start, and one Swedish journalist is not convinced that it is about to arrive anytime soon.

Journalist says Ange Postecoglou does not trust Bergvall yet

Journalist Tobias Hellgren pointed to the comments that Postecoglou made about the Sweden international following Tottenham’s 3-2 loss to Galatasaray last week.

The Tottenham coach remarked after the loss in Turkey that Bergvall was still developing and that football at this level at his age is not easy (Football.London).

Hellgren sees that comment and the Australian’s decision to take the midfielder off against Qarabag following Radu Dragusin’s red card, as evidence that the 59-year-old is not convinced by the youngster.

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The reporter told Fotboll Skanalen: “There is something else to interpret in Ange’s words as well: he is simply not convinced of Bergvall’s current ability.

“Now he has returned to the fact that the Swede has ‘more to learn’ so many times that everyone has understood that he thinks so. Subtly, Ange probably wants to convey instead that Bergvall is not ready – yet – for the high-tempo, heavy metal-like football that is at the top of the Premier League.

“Bergvall received two clear clearances against Manchester United and was the first to smoke at the red card against Qarabag. Being easy to sacrifice is often a good indicator of how high you stand with your coach.”

Could Lucas Bergvall be loaned out by Spurs?

Hellgren suggested that while the former Djurgardens man will not think about leaving Tottenham to get game time for the time being, a loan move might become a topic of discussion if things do not change over the coming weeks.

He added: “We are in November, and it is far too early to start talking about a loan. On the one hand, there is value in just being in Tottenham’s environment, on the other hand, there may be openings further on with injuries and suspensions.

“But the situation probably needs to start getting better for Bergvall pretty soon so that the loan discussion is not seriously brought up. Because right now his ‘status in the hierarchy’ meter is pointing down. And Postecoglou’s latest outing does not suggest that a complete turnaround on that point is to be expected shortly.”

Lucas Bergvall is an exciting talent, but Tottenham Hotspur aren’t playing him very often, which has got another club rubbing their hands with glee.

Lucas Bergvall is not getting opportunities at Spurs

The young Swedish star finally arrived at Tottenham Hotspur in the summer having signed on the dotted line way back in January.

There has been a lot of hype around Lucas Bergvall, and it is thought the teenager has made a good impression behind the scenes in his short time with the North London club.

But, Bergvall is being used sparingly by Ange Postecoglou so far. The midfielder has made ten appearances in all competitions, racking up just 324 minutes in total.

Bergvall has started the last three Europa League games, but has been left on the bench for the past five Premier League outings.

Barcelona are happy to see Lucas Bergvall struggling

When Bergvall opted to sign for Spurs, he did so at the expense of Barcelona, who were disappointed to miss out on the youngster at the time.

But now, according to a report from Sport, Barcelona are watching on at Bergvall’s purported struggles at Spurs and are secretly happy that his move to London has seemingly backfired a little.

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It is said that the Spanish outfit have seen Bergvall “barely getting minutes” at Tottenham and there is a degree of satisfaction after the youngster rejected them.

Would Lucas Bergvall have been better off at Barcelona?

If true, this reeks of spitefulness from Barcelona, and is a very odd thing for a club to even think about never mind feel this way. Besides, there is nothing to suggest that Bergvall would even have been getting more minutes if he had joined Barcelona, as they have just as much of a competitive squad anyway.

We are now 11 games into the Premier League season, and while Tottenham Hotspur’s inconsistent form has got them sitting in midtable, the Lilywhites are very nearly top of the rankings when it comes to one important statistic.

Tottenham Hotspur are great at keeping the ball

Data has been shared by Amazon Prime Video Sport on Twitter/X revealing which teams are dominating when it comes to possession statistics this season in the Premier League, and Tottenham Hotspur are sitting just behind Manchester City in second place.

Spurs have registered an average possession percentage of 61.7% across the 11 matches, while City are just ahead with an average of 63.8% so far.

The two teams are way out in front, too. Liverpool are third, with an average of 57.4%, while Southampton, who are bottom of the table, are actually in fourth for possession with a 56.6% average this season.

Chelsea are in fifth with 54.7% possession, and Fulham round out the top six with a 53.5% average.

Tottenham Hotspur’s season has been plagued by inconsistency

Naturally, having a lot of the ball is pretty handy for any team wanting to dominate games. And yet, these possession stats are not quite translating into positive results for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

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In far too many games this season, we have seen Tottenham control possession, create a number of great chances in front of goal, often getting the first goal of the game, too, before letting results slip away.

If the Lilywhites are to push on and challenge at the top of the table, they need to ensure this kind of possession play becomes more meaningful and ensure they have the discipline to truly control games from start to finish, and grind out the results when necessary.

That is something Manchester City are so good at, and is a big reason as to why they have dominated the Premier League for the last four years.

James Maddison’s future at Tottenham Hotspur has become a topic of quiet intrigue, with recent tactical shifts under Ange Postecoglou raising questions about the midfielder’s role, but a January move looks far from likely.

Shifts in Maddison’s role

James Maddison’s arrival at Tottenham from Leicester City last summer was seen as a marquee signing, with fans eager to see how his creative spark could flourish in Ange Postecoglou’s attacking setup.

Early in the season, Maddison delivered flashes of brilliance, showcasing his vision, flair, and technical ability in Postecoglou’s system. However, as the campaign has progressed, Postecoglou has recalibrated the midfield dynamic to prioritise work-rate and control over outright creativity.

This evolution in strategy has left Maddison with a diminished role in recent matches. With Spurs needing to stay compact and resilient during tough fixtures, his playmaking style hasn’t always been the ideal fit in the new tactical tweak, leading to concerns over his place in the team.

Maddison’s absence in critical moments, particularly during a stretch of Premier League games against Aston Villa and Ipswich, has amplified speculation about how central he remains to Tottenham’s plans.

Such decisions come at a pivotal time for the club, as the festive period often defines a season’s trajectory. For Maddison, whose start to life in North London seemed so promising, it is a delicate balancing act—one where proving his adaptability could dictate his long-term future with Spurs.

January transfer highly unlikely for James Maddison

Despite speculation, there appears to be little chance of a January departure for Maddison. According to sources close to Tottenham, as relayed by Givemesport, “There is no indication yet that Maddison will be leaving Tottenham in the immediate future. Sources close to the club believe that a January transfer is very unlikely, giving Maddison a crucial opportunity to prove his worth as the season progresses.”

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For Tottenham, Maddison remains an asset, albeit one whose best role might require fine-tuning. Postecoglou will be willing to give the midfielder the chance to adapt his game and integrate more effectively into the evolving team structure.

The upcoming weeks will be pivotal for Maddison, as Spurs face a gruelling schedule of fixtures against Manchester City, Roma, Fulham, and Bournemouth. These matches could provide the ideal stage for Maddison to reassert his importance and cement his place in the squad.

Failing to take advantage of these opportunities could lead to further doubts, particularly with Maddison among the club’s highest earners.

In a squad mindful of wage structures as they prepare for future transfers, his performance in the coming months will have significant implications for his role at the club moving forward.

The road ahead for Maddison

James Maddison is without a doubt a top athlete, one who has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level. However, like every elite player, there comes a time when challenges arise, and this period at Tottenham appears to be one of his first significant tests since his arrival last summer.

The festive schedule ahead offers Maddison a chance to confront this challenge head-on, with the onus on him to adapt to Ange Postecoglou’s evolving demands and reassert his value to the squad.

Should Maddison falter, though, it could have broader implications for his career. I truly believe that if it doesn’t work out for him at Spurs, his chances of securing a move to another top Premier League side may diminish significantly.

Top clubs demand players who can thrive under adversity and perform consistently at the highest level, and this period could define whether Maddison remains in that category—or finds himself looking elsewhere for a platform to rediscover his best form.