Player Watch Player Watch: James Maddison

[Bluto Blutarsky]

Tonight he made me miss David Bentley

How do you do, miss Bentley?

 

[Ghost Hardware]

Regardless what I think of him I’m not sure I see us selling him any time soon. However I do think we should bring in another creative option.

 

[spurs9]

Regardless what I think of him I’m not sure I see us selling him any time soon. However I do think we should bring in another creative option.

We can't fit one in the squad though without selling or loaning someone.

 

[Wheeler Dealer]

Struggled today when faced with a high a physical press.

Still think he can offer us something different but needs to grab hold of the game a lot more.

 

[Ghost Hardware]

We can't fit one in the squad though without selling or loaning someone.

Tbh I think we are going to need a bit of a reshuffle in general. Not a major one but as you say we are currently at our limit yet our squad clearly isn’t strong enough currently even when taking injuries into consideration.

 

[yojambo]

This week has summed him up really. Good player to bring on when your 3-1 up at home. Not so good to start in a tough European away fixture.

 

[DannyNZ]

Need him to start the Europa games and Carabao/FA Cup games but alongside Bergvall we look decidedly lightweight.

 

[GutBucket]

He was rested for this match and looked awful, he was supposed to show some leadership in the midfield and lead our kids, help out the likes of Bergvall and Gray. He is useful when we have 65% possession but even then Sarr seems to help out more. I'm still happy we have him and he's a good player, just not a great one.

 

[Misfit]

He's in danger of falling down the pecking order permanently with these performances. Kulu is stamping his authority in the middle so far this season.

 

[Ghost Hardware]

He's in danger of falling down the pecking order permanently with these performances. Kulu is stamping his authority in the middle so far this season.

My issue with Maddison is that he doesn’t cover over Kulu’s absence. When looking at our squad on paper one would think having two playmakers of Kulu and Maddison level would give us excellent options in the attacking midfield department. The reality is Maddison doesn’t seem to be capable of taking creative control when Deki isn’t on the pitch. Not for a full game against solid opposition at least.

Obviously saying that one should not ignore his 3 goals and 4 assists but performances like yesterday do put him into more a luxury, fair weather category which we really don't have space for if we want to achieve success in multiple competitions. He really needs to raise his game and become more of a leader on the pitch because at present he wilts too easily under the spotlight.

 

[funkycoldmedina]

My issue with Maddison is that he doesn’t cover over Kulu’s absence. When looking at our squad on paper one would think having two playmakers of Kulu and Maddison level would give us excellent options in the attacking midfield department. The reality is Maddison doesn’t seem to be capable of taking creative control when Deki isn’t on the pitch. Not for a full game against solid opposition at least.

Obviously saying that one should not ignore his 3 goals and 4 assists but performances like yesterday do put him into more a luxury, fair weather category which we really don't have space for if we want to achieve success in multiple competitions. He really needs to raise his game and become more of a leader on the pitch because at present he wilts too easily under the spotlight.

He's been a worry for a while for me. When we get pressed aggressively, which happens more and more now, he overplays, makes loose passes and generally doesn't look after the ball well enough. When you play such a high line we can't afford any of those traits.

 

[bubble07]

Think if he doesn't has 2 of Bissouma sarr bentancur alongside him he will be more influential

Issue is in europa games he will have bergavll with him

 

[Mooger Fooger]

We need a strong squad of more than just 11 players. Madders helps make up a squad of more than 11 strong players to call on throughout a season. There are better players in our squad ahead of him in his position and that's fine.

 

[funkycoldmedina]

We need a strong squad of more than just 11 players. Madders helps make up a squad of more than 11 strong players to call on throughout a season. There are better players in our squad ahead of him in his position and that's fine.

That's why last night was a worry. We need depth but we need depth for those kind of games, especially if we get Champions League. Europa League is great for the likes of Bergvall and Gray but Maddison should be running the show for us not being a weak link.

 

[Beni]

I’d have Maddison over Son on the left

 

[Bluto Blutarsky]

I’d have Maddison over Son on the left

I’d still have concerns about his tracking back and commitment to defensive work.

 

[Beni]

I’d still have concerns about his tracking back and commitment to defensive work.

Yeah agree. Both Son and Maddison are great when on fire, but when they’re not, they’re really bad

 

[Tucker]

I’d have Maddison over Son on the left

Really wouldn’t work in this system.

 

[ComfortablyNumb]

Really wouldn’t work in this system.

Is this because we have the wrong players for our system, or the wrong system for the players we have?
(No, I won’t leave this be)

 

[chas vs dave]

Son is soft as shit

For all the criticism, he still steps up and produces when it is needed most.