James Maddison is pleased as Tottenham’s squad takes shape with key players returning. The midfielder relished the moment in the tunnel where he looked at the Spurs squad and saw men gearing up to face AZ Alkmaar.
At one point this season, Tottenham Hotspur’s squad was decimated by injuries. In fact, the situation became so dire that Ange Postecoglou was left without 12 first-team players, severely limiting his options.
However, in recent weeks, the injury crisis has eased, allowing Tottenham to field something close to a full-strength side in their clash against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.
As things stand, the current absentees include Dejan Kulusevski, who is nursing a foot injury, Kevin Danso, sidelined with a hamstring issue, Radu Dragusin, out with an ACL injury, and Rodrigo Bentancur, who missed the second-leg tie due to suspension but will be available for the quarter-finals.
James Maddison pleased with the look of Tottenham squad against AZ Alkmaar
Despite the remaining injuries, Postecoglou was finally able to name his strongest back four for the first time in over three months, with both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven returning to the starting XI against AZ Alkmaar.
James Maddison was particularly pleased with the look of the squad and spoke to TNT Sports after the match.
He said: “Over the last few months, when we spoke about having injuries and missing key players, tonight was a perfect example, we’re stood in the tunnel, and you look at the team, and it is a group of men.
“Micky’s [van de Ven] back, [Cristian] Romero’s back, Vic’s [Guglielmo Vicario] back, I am there, Sonny [Heung-min Son].
“We have got men in there – with young lads as well – but when you have the spine of players who are experienced and have played at this professional level for a long time, it makes a difference.
“It was just a solid performance, and I think we are deservedly through. We are on to the quarter-finals, and we are excited.”
Tottenham’s squad depth proves crucial
It was a composed and mature performance from Spurs, with several standout displays from both senior players and youngsters.
Wilson Odobert, at just 20 years old, bagged a brace, and Odobert’s stats suggest he could develop into a top winger for the club.
Lucas Bergvall was given the responsibility of controlling the midfield and, aside from one mistake, put in a solid shift.
Heung-min Son led by example from the first whistle, pressing relentlessly and forcing the error that led to Tottenham’s opening goal.
Van de Ven was immense at the back, showing no signs of rust despite his injury layoff. The Dutch defender barely put a foot wrong, however, it was after he came off that Spurs conceded their only goal of the game.
Now, the challenge for Tottenham is to keep their squad fresh and injury-free. If they can maintain their fitness levels, they have a real chance of going all the way in the Europa League.