- James Maddison has been sidelined for over two weeks with a calf strain
- Despite this, the Spurs midfielder came under criticism from pundit Roy Keane
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Is there an agenda against Ange Postecoglou?
Roy Keane has questioned when James Maddison will ‘step up’ for Tottenham amid their struggles this year.
Ange Postecoglou’s side have endured a nightmare campaign – derailed by injuries to their squad – which has left them 14th in the Premier League table.
Maddison is among the current absentees for Tottenham, after picking up a calf strain last month, with many fans hoping he’ll soon return to the Spurs line-up.
However, speaking on the latest episode of Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet, Roy Keane suggested Maddison was not a big miss for Postecoglou’s side.
Keane said: ‘Which players [are we] talking about coming back that can help Spurs? I agree with [Micky van de Ven, Guglielmo Vicario] – that’s two.
‘[Destiny] Udogie is not bad. We saw James Maddison at Tamworth, he was taken off! Tamworth are non-league. People say, “Maddison’s the man”, but when is he going to step up to the plate?
Roy Keane has questioned when James Maddison (pictured) will ‘step up’ for Tottenham
Former Man United captain Keane questioned when Maddison will ‘step up’ for Tottenham
‘He got relegated with Leicester [City] and [looks like] with Spurs. Maddison isn’t bad but if you think he’s going to come back and get Spurs top six, you’re in cuckoo land.
‘He’s a talented player, but if you’re a player in the Spurs dressing room and he’s back in the squad, you wouldn’t be looking and going, “James is back today – we’re going to be fine!”.’
In the league, Maddison has made 22 appearances – starting just 15 of those – but still boasts an impressive output of eight goals and four assists for the north London side.
His most impressive display came during Spurs’ visit to Manchester City in November – where he scored two of his side’s four goals at the Etihad.
Keane continued: ‘I saw him, James Maddison, at [Manchester] City when they won that game 4-0 and I thought he blended the quality of his attacking with actually being good in his defensive duties.
‘I actually said that he set a standard that night that he’s got to continue to keep. He’s not consistent – that’s the problem with him.’
In his last outing, prior to picking up the calf injury, the 28-year-old scored a goal and provided an assist as Spurs ran out 3-2 winners against Hoffenheim in the Europa League.
Much of Tottenham’s campaign has been blighted by the overwhelming injuries to the squad, with Postecoglou forced to call upon teenage stars on a regular basis.
Maddison has had impressive spells for Spurs but, ultimately, has lacked consistency
Maddison is among a number of current absentees for Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou
For their recent defeat by Aston Villa, Spurs had 11 first-team players unavailable due to injury – Radu Dragusin, Van de Ven, Romero, Vicario, Udogie, Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner, Richarlison, Wilson Odobert and Maddison.
As a result, Tottenham were active in the winter window and brought in three recruits; Antonin Kinsky, Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel.
Tottenham’s next outing sees them take on Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon – in a must-win match for Postecoglou.
Roy Keane was speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet
