Postecoglou’s Big Gamble: Leaving Maddison Out Against Roma
Tottenham’s clash with Roma in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, November 28, 2024, has raised some eyebrows, especially with the decision made by Ange Postecoglou to bench James Maddison. With the team coming off a spectacular 4-0 victory over Manchester City just a few days ago, the Spurs fans were hopeful that momentum would continue, but this move has led to some concern.
Tottenham, currently in great form, were looking to extend their unbeaten streak against a Roma side that has struggled in recent weeks. Despite their challenges, including a winless run since October, Roma still boasted a squad capable of pulling off surprises, especially under the guidance of the experienced Claudio Ranieri. But what really caught the attention of fans was Postecoglou’s decision to leave out Maddison, who had been in scintillating form, particularly in the 4-0 drubbing of Manchester City. In that match, Maddison scored twice and contributed in every way, completing 100% of his dribbles and an impressive 89% of his passes. He also made vital contributions off the ball, winning duels and even making crucial tackles.
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Given his superb performance, many felt this was the perfect opportunity for Maddison to build on that momentum, yet Postecoglou chose to start without him, leaving the 28-year-old to possibly come on as a substitute. This decision seems risky, especially considering the injury setbacks Spurs have faced. Cristian Romero and Guglielmo Vicario, two key players for Spurs, are unavailable due to injury, leaving Postecoglou with fewer options in defense and goalkeeping. With such key players sidelined, the decision to omit Maddison raises questions about the balance between squad rotation and fielding a strong team in crucial European fixtures.
Maddison’s omission feels particularly harsh given that Tottenham’s attacking midfield has been one of the team's standout areas. His creativity and ability to change the game are unmatched, making him one of Postecoglou’s most important players this season. By keeping him on the bench, the manager has taken a risk that might come back to haunt him if the team struggles in the middle of the park. While Tottenham still have quality players in their lineup, including Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski, the question remains whether they will be able to break down a resilient Roma defense without Maddison pulling the strings.
For Roma, under Ranieri’s guidance, the match represents a challenge but also an opportunity to build some confidence. Ranieri, who knows the English game well from his time managing Leicester, is well aware of the intensity and attacking threat Tottenham brings to the table. In a recent interview, Ranieri praised Spurs' style of play, which he described as high-intensity football that brings great excitement. He also emphasized the need for his players to fight smart and be tactically astute if they are to have any hope of getting a result in London.
With both teams approaching the match with different levels of confidence, the decision to bench Maddison could prove to be a pivotal moment in Postecoglou’s tenure at Spurs. It will be interesting to see if the manager’s gamble pays off or if he will regret not utilizing one of his most influential players. As the match progresses, fans will be closely watching the outcome, hoping their team can continue their impressive form despite this surprising tactical decision.
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