James Maddison had a real up-and-down debut campaign at Tottenham Hotspur as an early injury hampered his season.
Spurs’ midfielder started last term on fire, however, he picked up a bad injury in November which set him back significantly.
The 27-year-old was sidelined for around two months and then struggled to regain the form which earned him signing of the summer shouts.
Ange Postecoglou blamed various other setbacks in Maddison’s recovery as to why he had a disappointing year. His poor form saw him miss out on England’s Euro 2024 squad.
The midfielder will now be hoping to kick on this season and he faces a massive North London derby test after being criticised by Tottenham hero Rafael van der Vaart.
Van der Vaart on Maddison missing ‘killer mentality’
Van der Vaart claims that Tottenham midfielder Maddison is missing a ‘killer mentality’ to take him to the elite level.
The Tottenham legend claims Maddison has bags of ability but is missing the right mentality to become a world-class player.
Van der Vaart told GOAL: “I think it’s a difficult one. I think that he has everything, the ability, he’s quick with and without the ball so he can score, can give assists but somehow I have the feeling that the real killer mentality… That he doesn’t have that.
“It looks everything nice and the hair is perfect and everything, but that’s what I miss when I see him playing.”
Maddison must rise to the occasion this season
Van der Vaart is right. Ultimately, Maddison has all the attributes to be a top player, but more often than not he does not affect games enough.
Now against Arsenal, as a senior player and vice-captain, he must lead the way in the derby and help Spurs take advantage of Arsenal’s injury woes.
The Gunners are without Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino and Declan Rice and Tottenham have a great chance of getting something at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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