James Maddison has had an inconsistent spell at Tottenham. [Credit: Imago].
James Maddison has had an inconsistent spell at Tottenham. [Credit: Imago].
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James Maddison decision baffling as Tottenham XI confirmed v Nottingham Forest

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Ange Postecoglou has made the decision to drop James Maddison as Tottenham line up to face Nottingham Forest on Thursday.

The 28-year-old was one of the only bright lights during Spurs' 6-3 thrashing against Liverpool last time out, scoring the first of three goals to start what could have been a comeback.

Despite this, he is one of three changes as he exits for Brennan Johnson, with Yves Bissouma replaced by the returning Rodrigo Bentancur and Pedro Porro replaced by Destiny Udogie [Official X account].

Of course, Postecoglou will feel he has to make cut-throat changes after Arne Slot's Reds ran riot in North London but Maddison should feel hard done by after being dropped to the bench again.

James Maddison overlooked again in Nottingham Forest v Tottenham

Postecoglou will be looking for a reaction from his players after the 6-3 thrashing by Liverpool last time out, a game which was a real eye-opener for the Lilywhites.

Despite the heavy defeat, Maddison scored with a 100 per cent shot accuracy, completed 82 per cent of his passes, made four passes into the final third and won two fouls [FotMob].

He also won 100 per cent of his tackles, entered into six ground duels, made two interceptions and made three recoveries.

Maddison only played 58 minutes at Hotspur Way, suggesting that he would be more than fit enough to go again at The City Ground, but Postecoglou has decided against him.

The Australian could live to regret that decision, especially given how in-form Forest have been this season. Maddison could have unlocked their defence, but he will have to do so as a substitute.

Of course, the likes of Son Heung-min, Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski should have more than enough talent to support Dominic Solanke, but it is a baffling decision, nonetheless.

In other Tottenham news, the Lilywhites have been linked with a shock Leeds transfer raid, according to this Spurs insider.

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Tottenham
Ange Postecoglou
James Maddison
Nottingham forest
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