Former Premier League right-back turned pundit Micah Richards has heaped reward on Tottenham midfielder James Maddison for his efficiency in opposition to Manchester United on Sunday.
Maddison, who has confronted criticism for inconsistent performances since coming back from damage, responded in emphatic vogue by scoring the match-winning objective as Spurs edged previous United 1-0 at house.
The previous Leicester Metropolis playmaker had a flying begin to life at Tottenham after becoming a member of in the summertime of 2023, registering three targets and 5 assists in his first 10 video games. Nevertheless, an damage in opposition to Chelsea in November derailed his season, and he has struggled to regain the identical stage of kind.
Amongst his critics was Roy Keane, who just lately slammed Maddison for failing to be a difference-maker for Spurs. The previous Manchester United captain questioned his affect, claiming that his presence doesn’t considerably influence the workforce’s performances.
Nevertheless, Maddison silenced his doubters along with his efficiency in opposition to United, scoring the decisive objective and celebrating with a ‘silence’ gesture—seemingly aimed toward Keane. After the match, he additionally made a cheeky dig on the Irish pundit, stating: “I hope there’s a sure few that loved me being the match-winner at the moment!”
Micah Richards stuffed with reward for James Maddison
Whereas Keane has downplayed Maddison’s general influence at Spurs, Micah Richards had a contrasting view, praising the Spurs playmaker throughout his post-match evaluation on BBC.
The previous Manchester Metropolis defender described Maddison as a difference-maker, highlighting how vital he’s to Ange Postecoglou’s facet.
“I believe he was good at the moment however i feel he was helped by Man United’s form. He’s the primary man, he’s coming again. Everybody’s speaking about they want the senior gamers again. Maddison’s that participant that may make the distinction.”
Regardless of an inconsistent season, Maddison has proven up in massive video games this 12 months. His standout efficiency in Tottenham’s 4-0 demolition of Manchester Metropolis noticed him earn reward earn reward from Ange Postecoglou who labelled him as excellent in addition to from Pep Guardiola who singled out the midfielder, praising his high quality.
There is no such thing as a doubting Maddison’s expertise, however the problem now could be whether or not he can preserve his kind and assist Tottenham push increased up the desk within the ultimate stretch of the season.
With Spurs aiming for a robust end, Maddison might want to construct on this efficiency and show that he could be the artistic spark the workforce wants frequently.