“So Absurd”- Roy Keane isn’t happy with something that he’s hearing about James Maddison at Tottenham

When James Maddison made the switch to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2023, many Premier League fans were left scratching their heads at the relatively modest transfer fee Spurs paid to secure his services from Leicester City. Given his creative talent and attacking flair, some expected a heftier price tag, but Tottenham seemingly pulled off a smart piece of business.
Maddison’s early days in North London were nothing short of electric. Slotting seamlessly into Ange Postecoglou’s high-energy attacking system, the playmaker played a pivotal role in Tottenham’s fast start to the season. After the first 10 games, Spurs were flying high, with some even daring to dream of an unexpected title challenge. Maddison, alongside captain Son Heung-min, was at the heart of the team’s success, dictating play and chipping in with crucial goals and assists.
However, as has often been the case with Tottenham in recent seasons, injuries derailed their momentum. Maddison himself was a key casualty, suffering a serious ankle injury in November that sidelined him for months. Upon his return, his performances appeared somewhat disjointed, and he struggled to regain the same level of influence he had earlier in the campaign. More recently, a calf issue has further disrupted his rhythm.
Despite these setbacks, Maddison has managed to feature in 31 games across all competitions this season, recording a respectable tally of nine goals and six assists. These numbers, while solid, don’t quite reflect the impact many expected him to have after his explosive start at the club. Perhaps more concerningly, even when fit, he has frequently found himself starting from the bench, with Postecoglou opting for other options in the attacking midfield role.

Roy Keane Questions Maddison’s Influence at Tottenham

The debate over Maddison’s importance to Tottenham’s success has sparked discussions among pundits, and former Manchester United captain Roy Keane is one of those unconvinced by his impact. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane offered a typically blunt assessment of Maddison’s role in the squad.
While he eventually acknowledged that the former Leicester star is a “talented player,” Keane’s initial comments were far from glowing.
“Hold on a second. Maddison coming in. We saw Maddison at Tamworth. He was taken off. Tamworth, non-league. People said, Maddison is the man,” Keane remarked, questioning the hype surrounding the player.
Keane went on to reference Maddison’s relegation with Leicester City, suggesting that the midfielder hasn’t yet proven he can be a game-changer at the highest level.
“When’s he going to step up to the plate? He got relegated with Leicester. He’ll probably get relegated with Spurs,” Keane continued, in his usual no-nonsense style.
Keane further dismissed the idea that Maddison’s return to fitness would be a transformative moment for Spurs.
“If you’re a player in the Spurs dressing room and Maddison’s back in the squad, you wouldn’t be looking and going, ‘Oh, he’s back today. We’re going to be fine.’”
While Keane’s comments were undoubtedly harsh, they do raise legitimate questions about whether Maddison has lived up to expectations since joining Tottenham.

A Crucial Period Ahead for Maddison

As Spurs prepare to face Manchester United, Maddison is expected to be available for selection. However, it remains unclear whether he will be restored to the starting lineup immediately. In his absence, Dejan Kulusevski has taken on the central attacking midfield role and has arguably performed better this season. But with Spurs missing several wingers due to injuries, Kulusevski will likely be pushed back out wide, potentially opening the door for Maddison to reclaim his preferred No. 10 position.
Looking ahead, the next 12 months will be crucial for Maddison’s career. Not only does he need to solidify his place in Tottenham’s starting XI, but he will also have his sights set on earning a spot in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. With Thomas Tuchel now at the helm of the national team, Maddison has a fresh opportunity to impress and stake his claim for a place in the squad.
For Spurs, a return to form from Maddison would be a massive boost. While his season has been disrupted by injuries and inconsistent performances, his creativity and vision remain valuable assets to the squad. If he can rediscover his best form, he could yet play a major role in Tottenham’s push for Champions League qualification next season.