'Made a difference': Chris Sutton says £40m Tottenham player was actually very good v Liverpool
06/05/2024 20:15
Tottenham lost at the weekend and Chris Sutton has been speaking about one of their midfielders’ form ahead of the Euros this summer.
Ange Postecoglou watched on as he saw his side ship another four goals and succumb to a Liverpool side clearly determined to get back to some form.
For Tottenham and their fans, it was a painful watch until the final 20 minutes, when Tottenham’s subs helped swing the game and get them to within two goals.
One of those subs to make a difference was £40m midfielder, James Maddison.
The England man has had a fine debut season with Spurs despite being injured for part of it, although his form has dipped recently resulting in him being dropped at the weekend.
However, speaking on Maddison in general, Chris Sutton has praised the former Leicester man and insisted he’ll be on the plane to Germany.
Chris Sutton responds to claims James Maddison might not be selected by England
Speaking on the It’s All Kicking Off Podcast, Sutton conceded Maddison’s form hadn’t been great but admitted he’d be amazed if he wasn’t selected for England.
“That’s why he won’t be sweating [the 26-man squad rule]. I think so [sweating on his form] but we had the Mo Salah debate about whether it was right to drop him. I don’t think any player, you say you were surprised he was dropped, I don’t think any Spurs fan was surprised.
“I don’t think any player has a divine right to play. Form dips and his form has dipped. But he actually came on and it was a good response from him. He didn’t come and sulk around and throw his toys out of the pram he actually made a difference. But he’ll be going to Germany I’m pretty sure of that,” Sutton said.
Maddison has been too good to drop at this stage by Gareth Southgate
Every player can suffer a dip in form but the fact is that James Maddison has had a brilliant first year in a Tottenham shirt.
Yes, he’s only got himself on the scoresheet four times but he’s laid on another seven goals for teammates and that’s what he was brought in to do.
He’s also missed around a dozen games in the league through injury and you have to question whether him being out has coincided with Tottenham dropping off a touch as well.
However, in the main, Maddison has delivered. Joe Cole recently backed Maddison to get back to being one of the best in the league again and ahead of next season, that’s exactly what the Spurs star will be trying to do.
