‘He’s been phenomenal all season’-  James Maddison names the Tottenham underappreciated  teammate who’s really impressed him this season

James Maddison has expressed his admiration for one of his Tottenham Hotspur teammates, describing his performances this season as “phenomenal.” The attacking midfielder has been particularly pleased to see his colleague receive consistent game time, especially given the challenges Spurs have faced throughout the campaign.
This season has been anything but straightforward for Ange Postecoglou’s side. A relentless injury crisis has forced the Australian manager to rethink his squad selection, but in the process, it has also provided opportunities for players who might not have otherwise had a chance to shine. As a result, several players have stepped up, making a significant impact on the team.
Spurs are now preparing for arguably their biggest game of the season—a crucial Europa League Round of 16 second-leg clash against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday. After suffering a 1-0 defeat in the first leg, Tottenham will need their key players to deliver strong performances if they are to overturn the deficit and progress in the competition. Ahead of this vital fixture, Maddison has singled out one teammate who has impressed him the most.

Maddison Hails Djed Spence’s Breakthrough Season

Among the players who have seized their opportunity this season, Djed Spence has been a standout performer. James Maddison has heaped praise on the 24-year-old full-back, emphasizing how his emergence has been one of the positives to come from Tottenham’s injury woes.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Maddison highlighted Spence’s impact, saying:
“The one blessing that it kind of created was the fact that we got exposure to the young lads and the lads who hadn’t played as much. The likes of Djed (Spence) got his opportunity, and he’s been phenomenal.”
Spence’s resurgence has not only earned him a regular spot in the Spurs lineup but has also propelled him into discussions regarding a potential England call-up. Just a season ago, the former Nottingham Forest loanee found himself on the fringes of the squad, struggling for minutes. Now, he has become a key player for Postecoglou, showcasing his attacking threat from right-back while also improving his defensive contributions.
His performances have caught the attention of both fans and pundits, with many now considering him a long-term solution for Spurs in the right-back position. If he continues this upward trajectory, Spence could soon find himself competing for a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad ahead of major international tournaments.

Maddison Also Impressed by Bergvall and Gray

In addition to Spence, Maddison has been closely monitoring the progress of Tottenham’s emerging young stars, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray. Both teenagers have been thrust into first-team action this season, gaining invaluable experience that could shape their futures at the club.
Maddison acknowledged that their transition into the senior squad has been quicker than expected, but he believes this will only serve them well in the long run.
“Lucas (Bergvall) and Archie (Gray) have come in as 18-year-olds and played a lot of football—probably more than what the manager and the club had initially planned for their transition into the first team. But that’ll leave them in good stead,” he said.
Despite their youth, Bergvall and Gray have shown remarkable composure and adaptability, playing significant roles in the midfield. Their involvement in high-pressure situations, such as the ongoing European campaign, will undoubtedly accelerate their development and provide them with the confidence needed to become future stars for Spurs.

A Season of Challenges and Opportunities

While Tottenham’s season has been marred by injuries, it has also been a period of discovery. The emergence of Spence, alongside the rapid development of Bergvall and Gray, has given Postecoglou fresh options and greater squad depth moving forward. With Spurs still in contention for European success, these young talents could play a vital role in the club’s ambitions this season.
As the team gears up for the decisive clash against AZ Alkmaar, Maddison and his teammates will be hoping that Spence continues his excellent form, while Bergvall and Gray rise to the occasion once again. A strong performance could not only keep Tottenham’s European dreams alive but also cement the growing influence of these rising stars in North London.