Jeff Stelling can’t believe very strange James Maddison development at Tottenham

Jeff Stelling cannot believe Ange Postecoglou left it so late to bring on James Maddison for Tottenham in the 2-1 loss against Ipswich Town.

The 27-year-old enjoyed a stellar start to life in North London last term but has been urged “to step up” as he has failed to complete a full 90 minutes for the Lilywhites all season.

Stelling discussed the situation of the England midfielder with co-host Ally McCoist live on talkSPORT [19 November, 8:26am], and the pair were surprised Postecoglou left it until the 86th minute to introduce the midfielder against Ipswich with his side chasing a one-goal deficit.

McCoist said the decision was “strange”, to which Stelling swiftly replied: “very strange”.

James Maddison facing a fight for his Tottenham future

Maddison is understood to be unhappy in North London after he was substituted in the 1-0 loss against Crystal Palace on 27 October.

While the midfielder is “very unlikely” to leave Tottenham in the January transfer window [Give Me Sport], he has been facing an uncertain future at the club only 12 months since his arrival from Leicester City.

Postecoglou has left Maddison out of his starting lineup in the past two Premier League outings, and it is difficult to argue against the boss based on his recent form. However, he has still racked up three goals and three assists in 11 league appearances this term.

Considering he mustered four goals and nine assists last term in a season plagued with injury, he is currently on track to out-do his efforts from his maiden season in North London, when he was never short of plaudits.

In light of the news, teammate Rodrigo Bentancur has been hit with a seven-match ban by the FA for comments relating to Son Heung-min – Spurs may have no choice but to field Maddison ahead of a hectic winter period.

It could be that a “problem” has arisen between Postecoglou and Maddison, and if that is the case, the midfielder will indeed remain out of favour in North London for the foreseeable future.

The underlying numbers are there, but the performances do not fit the system Postecoglou has implemented at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and is stubbornly eager to stick to despite the underwhelming form across all competitions.

Whether or not Maddison can force his way back into the first-team fold at Tottenham remains to be seen, but the situation as it stands does not make for great reading for the supporters.

In other Tottenham news, Dane Scarlett sent a ‘stunning’ message to Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou.

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