‘I felt for him’ – Pundit thinks Tottenham star was unfairly treated this week
Gareth Southgate has come under fire from Jamie O’Hara for starting Tottenham player James Maddison against Ukraine out of position before removing him midway through the second half.
Given the strong start the 26-year-old has had to the season, Maddison’s inclusion in the starting eleven for the Euro Qualifiers at the Wrocaw Stadium in Poland on Saturday came as no surprise.
Jordon Henderson, Declan Rice, and Jude Bellingham were positioned behind Maddison by Southgate, who also regularly sent Harry Kane into the centre of the field to take up the ball.
The former Leicester City player was replaced by Phil Foden of Manchester City after 65 minutes as the Three Lions looked for an elusive victory, but the substitution had the opposite of the anticipated impact.
Madison, in O’Hara’s opinion, ought to have been at number 10.
The England manager, according to O’Hara, “takes Maddison off, who’s been flying for Tottenham, and plays him on the left wing, when, when he signed for Tottenham, he’s been playing as a number 10,” according to a talkSPORT interview.
He is number ten. All I could see of Maddison coming inside and Bellingham and Maddison making parallel runs for the ball made me feel bad for him.
Against Ukraine, Maddison most definitely did not play on the left wing. In the event that there was room on the flank, he was given a free role and permitted to drift wide.Bellingham, Kane, and Madison frequently took up positions that were similar to one another, so it appeared that the formation was ineffective.
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‘I know people’: Tottenham told £85k-week star could play midfield for first time in 3 years
Eric Dier, a frozen-out Tottenham star, may resume playing as a “number six,” according to Alasdair Gold.
The 29-year-old has not played for Tottenham since the team’s final preseason match against Barcelona because he has fallen out of favor with Ange Postecoglou this year.
However, as he stated on his own YouTube channel, Football London journalist Gold did indicate that Eric Dier, who has previously played in midfield, right back, and center defense during his time at Spurs, may possibly be utilized in the middle of the park once more.
Dier’s last midfield appearance came against Aston Villa in 2020, and ever then, he has played center back, often to the displeasure of many of his own fans.
The 29-year-old’s future at Hotspur Way is without a doubt in jeopardy when information about a recent meeting with Daniel Levy surfaced.
However, despite rumors that Dier may leave during the 2023 summer transfer window, he remained, and journalist Gold, who is based in Tottenham, shared his opinions on the player.
Dier in midfield
Gold opined that Eric Dier doesn’t fit the Postecoglou system as well as he believes he does. He lacks the speed necessary for that high line. When the balls are tossed above his head, he will resist. He’ll have to modify his strategy.
“I do consider it possible that he might end up playing at number six once more. Whether Bissouma or Skipp also sustain injuries.
“I am aware that people will simply despise Eric Dier because they believe he is unworthy. Whether or whether that is accurate. I believe that he was significantly impacted by the injuries last season as well. Does he seem to match Postecglou’s philosophy? No.”
Will Dier leave in January?
You have to wonder how Dier will reenter the first-team picture, especially in midfield, given that Tottenham isn’t in Europe.
The only solution is for a few players to enter the recovery area. But if the £85k-a-week star (Spotrac) is still having difficulties in January, you have to wonder how he manages to stay.
The fact that Dier played for England last year and isn’t even being considered by Gareth Southgate for Euro 2024 must be on the player’s mind.
