James Maddison makes Tottenham feelings clear after surprise Ange Postecoglou decision

James Maddison has responded to a string of early Tottenham substitutions ahead of the Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest. The England international was a welcome return from an ankle injury in January, although he has struggled to rediscover his best form from the first three months of the 2023/24 season.

In Spurs' last three games against Fulham, Luton Town and West Ham, Maddison has not gone beyond the 70-minute mark despite being his side's creative talisman. During Tuesday night's 1-1 draw in east London, the 27-year-old appeared to be just starting to get into a rhythm only for Ange Postecoglou to replace him with Dejan Kulusevski for the final 20 minutes.

Considering the string of early substitutions, Postecoglou was asked about Maddison with his response a telling one, admitting in his press conference: «He's not carrying a knock. If he was carrying a knock he wouldn't be playing. He's fine, yeah.»

Asked about his display at London Stadium, Postecoglou said: «I thought Madders was really good, especially when he got in their final third. I thought he played some really clever passes that we just didn't capitalise on.

»I think for all the guys in the front third area — not just the attacking players, the full-backs as well, we got into some really good areas, it's just about trying to show them that they don't need to be so rushed in their decision making and we'll get better outcomes."

An opportunity for Spurs to resolve those issues arrives this Sunday when they face Nottingham Forest at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Ahead of the clash, Maddison has sent a clear message on social media as he attempts to get back into form.

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