Star player James Maddison makes a comeback for Spurs, adding excitement to the FA Cup match against City.

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The start of this month has been exceptional for the remarkable return of the Premier League. Kevin De Bruyne’s impressive performance led Manchester City to victory against Newcastle after being sidelined for five months due to a hamstring injury. Additionally, Ivan Toney scored for Brentford in their important win against Nottingham Forest, marking his comeback after an eight-month suspension for breaking betting rules.

James Maddison’s return to the pitch for Tottenham in the FA Cup match against City on Friday is highly anticipated. After being sidelined due to an ankle injury in November, his comeback is being compared to Wayne Rooney’s dramatic arrival at the 2006 World Cup training camp.

The enthusiasm among Spurs fans is evident as Maddison made a strong impact in the first three months of the season, quickly adjusting to his new team after his £40m move from Leicester. While his statistics were impressive with three goals and six assists, Maddison also brought charisma and guidance, creating a sense of potential as the Ange Postecoglou era commenced. It is expected that he will continue his successful performance without interruption, similar to De Bruyne and Toney.

When questioned about Maddison’s potential, Postecoglou expressed uncertainty, stating, “It is difficult to predict.” He also added that he does not want to place any pressure or expectations on Maddison.

Postecoglou’s approach diverges significantly from the usual script of a manager. He seems to have a sudden realization of who he is discussing – none other than the charismatic Maddison, always the center of attention, even at a casual family dinner. Maddison’s actions are influenced by various factors and he particularly enjoys high-profile matches. Postecoglou taps into this aspect.

“I am aware of Madders’ expectations,” he states. “In training, you wouldn’t be able to tell that he’s been absent for so long. The level of skill is evident immediately and everyone takes notice. He appears to be in good physical shape. He is the type of person who will strive to make up for lost time and make an immediate impact upon his return.”

It has been a nightmare period for Maddison, stopped in his tracks after driving Spurs to the top of the table and their best start to a season since 1960-61. Postecoglou suggests the 27-year-old was probably a nightmare for the club’s sports science staff; something he offers with love. The bond between the pair is clear and Postecoglou is often ready with a one-liner at Maddison’s expense.

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In early December, Maddison characterized his injury as a gradual process, causing worry that he may not be able to return by January as planned. Postecoglou expressed skepticism about Maddison’s medical knowledge and whether it should be relied upon for diagnoses.

The manager’s understanding of Maddison’s mental state in the last three months is concerning. Postecoglou explains, “It was a difficult time for him. He has a passion for football and enjoys being in the team environment, including the locker room. He is a strong presence in the team. It can be challenging for players when they have to go through rehabilitation, especially for someone like him. Our sports science team probably didn’t enjoy working with Madders one-on-one. He prefers being part of the group.”

In the middle of the time frame, Postecoglou sent Maddison and his family, along with a physiotherapist, to Dubai for a necessary change of environment. Despite this change, their diligent efforts continued.

Postecoglou explains that it was not a vacation, but rather a period for the physio to work with the player in a different setting. This was also done with Romero and Lo Celso, as it can be challenging for players to constantly observe training without being able to participate. Upon James’ return, he seemed rejuvenated and his motivation increased as he could see the end goal.

Postecoglou stated that Maddison has participated in training with the team for the entire week. This raises the question of whether he will be included in the starting lineup against City. It appears that he will be, not due to any specific storyline, despite the majority of people in the room feeling pressure. Another important detail is City’s poor record at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, having lost all five matches and failing to score any goals.

According to Postecoglou, James is prepared and eager to begin, but his readiness may depend on the rest of the team. Final decisions will be made on game day after observing everyone’s performance. Fortunately, James has had a successful week and is in good shape to play.

Source: theguardian.com