Why Hoffenheim proved Roberto De Zerbi has cunning James Maddison Tottenham plan

James Maddison made his first Tottenham Hotspur start in just under a year against Hoffenheim.

The 29-year-old was on his way back from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury from last pre-season when he suffered a fresh setback this summer.

He has been dealing with an unknown issue throughout this pre-season campaign, which had kept him out of action until last Sunday.

Tottenham took on German side Hoffenheim in a behind closed doors friendly at Hotspur Way, in which Maddison was named in the starting XI.

Spurs drew 2-2 with the Bundesliga outfit, having beaten them 3-0 with a different XI the day before on Saturday.

How Roberto De Zerbi utilised Maddison in Sunday's friendly, however, suggested he could have an interesting role lined up for him in 2026-27.

Where did James Maddison play in Tottenham vs Hoffenheim?

As detailed via Tottenham's official website, De Zerbi set his Lilywhites side up in a 4-3-3 formation for the second game against Hoffenheim.

That saw youngsters Damola Ajayi and Luca Williams-Barnett deployed out wide, with Maddison starting the game as the striker.

Of course, that's not his natural attacking midfield position, but as evidenced by his underlying numbers, he wasn't an out-and-out number nine.

As per Sofascore, Maddison completed 12 passes in the Hoffenheim half and nine in his own, showing how deep he was dropping to get on the ball.

He also played two accurate long balls, won three of his six ground duels, took zero shots and made seven carries with the ball before being subbed off at half-time.

Maddison even gave away a penalty for Hoffenheim's first goal, after losing the ball in Spurs' box from a goal kick.

That again highlights how De Zerbi truly gave him a free role on Sunday, drifting into all areas of the pitch in talismanic fashion.

So, what did Hoffenheim tell us about how De Zerbi perhaps perceives Maddison's Tottenham role ahead of the new season?

Maddison role hints at De Zerbi Tottenham rethink

One of Tottenham's primary issues from 2025-26, and indeed a couple of seasons now, was the lack of a true goalscoring centre-forward.

Richarlison finished as top scorer in the Premier League last term with 11, and was the only Spurs player to hit double-digits.

Meanwhile, Brennan Johnson topped the scoring charts in 2024-25 with 11, and likewise, was also the lone Lilywhite to score double-digit goals that year.

Interestingly, the next closest in 2024-25 was Maddison who netted nine times.

Taking his three games last season out of it, Maddison has scored double-digit goals in four of his last five seasons in all competitions.

So, with Richarlison looking set to leave and Dominic Solanke struggling with injuries again, could Maddison be a wildcard option to lead the Spurs line in 2026-27?

He was almost playing as a false nine against Hoffenheim, and with a crowded midfield department now, his services could be better used up top.

It would certainly be a big gamble by De Zerbi, but the Italian is a tactical wizard, and he may just be conjuring up a very clever Maddison-sized spell.