James Maddison’s return has given Tottenham a huge boost ahead of their relegation decider, but Roberto De Zerbi now faces a major selection dilemma.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League survival battle will go down to the final day following their recent 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Spurs currently sit 17th and know that simply avoiding defeat against Everton would be enough to secure their top-flight status, regardless of West Ham’s result against Leeds United, thanks to Tottenham’s superior goal difference.
Creativity has been one of Tottenham’s biggest issues this season, which is why James Maddison’s recent return has come as such a huge boost. The midfielder made his first competitive appearance in over a year against Leeds United last weekend after recovering from the ACL injury he suffered during pre-season.
Despite the long lay-off, Maddison immediately looked sharp, nearly winning a late penalty before also making an impact off the bench against Chelsea, where he came close to scoring. There is no doubt he could help Roberto De Zerbi in the final game of the season, but exactly how to use him remains a difficult decision.
Danny Murphy thinks James Maddison is the ‘game-changer’
Earlier this month, Roberto De Zerbi admitted that Tottenham needed to be careful with James Maddison’s recovery, insisting it was better to wait rather than risk another setback. That cautious approach makes the midfielder’s current level even more impressive, although questions still remain over whether he is ready to start such a high-intensity match.
Speaking on BBC Match of the Day, former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy suggested Maddison could be the key figure in Tottenham’s survival fight.
“The big dilemma he’s got at the minute, and I don’t know how fit he is, but Maddison is the game-changer,” Murphy said.
“If he can start, even for 60 minutes, because that first goal in that stadium at the weekend is going to be massive.”
Murphy added that he would personally start Maddison and allow him to empty the tank early in the game rather than rely on him from the bench later on.
Roberto De Zerbi’s ideal Tottenham midfield against Everton
There is a strong argument for Maddison not starting despite his obvious quality.
Everton under David Moyes have become one of the most physical and compact sides in the league, thriving in midfield battles, second balls and defensive transitions. That makes this a dangerous environment for a player still recovering from a long ACL lay-off.
The tried and tested midfield trio of Rodrigo Bentancur, Joao Palhinha and Conor Gallagher may suit this sort of game better. Starting Maddison would definitely improve Tottenham creatively, but also weaken them physically.
The smarter approach may be to keep things physical early on and then introduce Maddison once spaces begin to open and Everton’s midfield tires.