Vladimir Andrejevic

Sat 24 May 2025 14:30, UK

James Maddison has been a central figure in Tottenham’s Europa League journey.

The attacking midfielder was second only to Dominic Solanke in goal contributions in the Europa League before he was sidelined with a knee injury ahead of the final.

He nonetheless travelled to the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao and participated in the celebrations after Brennan Johnson scored the all-important goal to defeat Manchester United 1-0.

At the full-time whistle, the vice-captain put his kit on along with every Tottenham player to collect their medals, although a few players, including skipper Son Heung-min, were not fortunate enough to get one.

Rory Jennings calls out Maddison’s celebrations

Maddison has been an integral part of Ange Postecoglou‘s team when he’s been available, especially in the knock-out phase of the Europa League this season.

He knows as much and cheekily took a dig at Roy Keane during the celebrations, calling out the former United captain’s prior criticism over his influence on the squad.

Rory Jennings did not take kindly to Maddison’s retort, making a bold statement on the England International live on air on talkSPORT after he was also called out (23 May).

He said, “I can’t quite understand the front of him, I find it quite impressive, but also totally misplaced. Didn’t kick a ball, didn’t kick a ball in that final in the Europa League, and yet he’s interviewed afterwards, he’s giving it the big one, he’s doing his celebration, he’s kind of going for Roy Keane a bit.

“Like, what are you doing? Roy Keane and you don’t play the sport, you never did. The chasm in terms of what James Maddison to Roy Keane is is the same as from me to James Maddison, I just don’t understand it.”

While comparisons to Keane are moot, Maddison’s influence on Spurs is clear.

He is Tottenham’s most creative player and is a key cog in Postecoglou’s system as the gifted midfielder provides a crucial link between defence and attack.

Maddison also offers a real goal threat and is often referred to as being an excellent influence on younger players, such as Johnson, behind the scenes.

Tottenham must sign back up for Maddison

Tottenham‘s over-reliance on Maddison has come back to bite them on multiple occasions since his arrival in 2023.

He was unavailable for their biggest fixture in years and has generally been hampered by injuries throughout his Spurs career, missing 21 games to date.

Dejan Kulusevski has shown flashes of being able to fill in, though he offers very different attributes in that position and can not fulfil the same requirements.

Lucas Bergvall could also step in, though his future looks destined for a deeper role, leaving Spurs light in attacking midfield options and needing to bring someone in to shadow the the England international.

With Champions League football returning to Spurs, some massive transfers are needed, and fast.