Spurs’ £100m star of the future should knock down the door to start with Maddison

James Maddison has labeled Tottenham Hotspur’s relegation-threatened campaign a “disgrace” after defeat at Stamford Bridge, and who can blame him for venting his frustrations?

The England international is only recently back from an injury that has kept him out of competitive action under Thomas Frank or Igor Tudor, but has enjoyed two appearances in recent weeks and hopes to play a role against Everton on Sunday.

However, it is unlikely that the 29-year-old will be able to play the full 90 after suffering a serious ACL injury (two, technically), leaving Roberto De Zerbi with a difficult choice on Sunday, the most important game in Tottenham’s modern history.

Why Maddison needs to start against Spurs on Sunday

Maddison has no mistakes this season, he has been missed by the Lions due to his long-term injury. However, he was the difference maker in this team, adding momentum and energy as Spurs came from behind against Chelsea on Tuesday evening.

He may not be able to play the full 90, but a smart midfielder should see some action. In 2023/24, his first season under Ange Postecoglou, Maddison created 2.4 chances per game.

Just one year ago, Tottenham were insisting that their Europa League final against Manchester United was the most important game in decades, a chance to end their 17-year quest for silverware.

With the likes of Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus still injured, Tottenham’s attacking options are limited, leading to more appearances – the latest six starts – for Randal Kolo Muani.

The French striker has been at his worst this season, seemingly getting worse as the weight of responsibility builds on his back. Could De Zerbi pull the trigger on the final day of the season?

The Spurs star should start over Maddison and Kolo Muani

Tottenham have fallen by the wayside this season – but they can still pick themselves up again to beat Everton and avoid a relegation battle in the Championship.

To help them achieve this, it is not Maddison but Archie Gray who could be in line to take over from Kolo Muani on Sunday, even if that means De Zerbi is forced to relieve the 20-year-old in an unusual role – after all, Gray is used to unusual roles in the Premier League for Tottenham.

Big praise, but Gray hasn’t started since De Zerbi’s first game in charge, that 1-0 defeat to Sunderland on Wearside. But this is one of the biggest talents in the Premier League, described as the “£100m midfielder of the future” by Como pundit and pundit Ben Mattinson.

Gray may not have the ability to be a top right winger, but he can do the job out wide, solidify the offense and handle the technical side of the game for the forwards. In the Premier League this season, he has completed 33.3% of his crosses, which puts him in the top tier of Premier League players in that metric.

Conor Gallagher praised Chelsea’s deception, while Joao Palhinha was a football freak. However, both should start on Sunday, with the more active De Zerbi’ likely to link up with the likes of Everton.

That leaves Kolo Muani out on the right, right? It’s wrong. The Frenchman has been very poor of late, and starting him can be dangerous. Maddison may not be good enough, so why shouldn’t Gray get the nod. He is enthusiastic and a natural born leader, with a wealth of experience in the Lilywhites’ deep and wide positions.

It would be nice if the perfect Maddison was fit and right to start against Everton at the weekend, but that is not the case for Tottenham.

Against Chelsea, Kolo Muani did a truly terrible job, and while Gray may be in an unnatural position, he certainly has more in the cupboard than his struggling French counterpart.