Former PL manager feels Ange has contributed to Tottenham star’s poor form

Alan Pardew believes Ange Postecoglou has played a part in James Maddison’s dip in form.

Maddison got off to a flying start at Tottenham Hotspur after joining them from Leicester City last summer for £40 million. His incredible form was one of the reasons behind Spurs’ dominant start under Ange Postecoglou.

But, things have gone downhill for both the manager as well as the player.

Tottenham had the opportunity to strengthen their case for a top-four finish by defeating Arsenal in the North London Derby. But, they had a horror first half where they conceded three goals. While they did fight back, it was a little too late.

Quite a few Tottenham players didn’t turn up on the day and Maddison was one of them. On the back of his performance in the Derby, former Premier League manager Alan Pardew expressed major concerns about the England international and he highlighted the fact that Postecoglou might have played a part in the 27-year-old’s poor form.

While speaking on TalkSPORT, Pardew said: “Maddison has been a concern since the injury. We looked at that stat. I think he has been subbed the last nine games. That can’t do his confidence any good, a player that actually is built around confidence.

“So, the injury, the confidence and getting taken off, that is all contributing to his perhaps below-par performances.”

In his first nine league games, the 27-year-old attacking midfielder had contributed towards eight goals. Maddison was the standout performer for Postecoglou’s team in the first half of the season. But, since returning from injury, the former Leicester midfielder hasn’t been as effective.

The former Newcastle manager believes Postecoglou has played a part in his poor form. The Australian boss has subbed him off in each of their last nine league games and that has not done his confidence any good. Pardew feels Maddison is someone who is built around confidence and the injury along with getting subbed regularly has contributed to the below-par performances.