Teddy Sheringham questions Postecoglou to make tactical midfield change

Teddy Sheringham recently shared an insightful observation about James Maddison’s prospects for playing time at Tottenham, and his remarks proved to be spot-on.

Earlier this season, Ange Postecoglou attempted to field Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski together in advanced midfield roles ahead of a single holding midfielder. While the experiment showed some promise, the Australian manager made adjustments during a match against West Ham, substituting Maddison at halftime to introduce Pape Sarr.

This tactical shift immediately gave Spurs a more balanced midfield, and Postecoglou stuck with that combination in subsequent Premier League games, leaving Maddison on the bench.

However, Maddison’s absence from the starting lineup ended when he was reinstated for Tottenham’s clash against Manchester City. The decision paid dividends as the England international delivered a stunning performance, scoring two first-half goals that set the stage for an emphatic victory.

Maddison’s return highlighted his value to the team and reinforced the ongoing conversation about his role under Postecoglou’s system.

Sheringham expressed his admiration for Kulusevski’s ability to play centrally as a number ten, noting that he believes the Swede can complement Maddison effectively in midfield.

Against Manchester City, Postecoglou demonstrated the viability of this partnership, with Kulusevski drifting inside from the right and Maddison occupying a more central playmaking role. The duo’s interplay contributed to Tottenham’s dominant display, showcasing the creative potential they bring when deployed together.

Sheringham’s comments, as shared with Best Offshore Sportsbooks and relayed by Football.London, underscored his belief in the pairing. He acknowledged Kulusevski’s growing influence in central areas while also emphasizing Maddison’s importance to the squad.

According to Sheringham, the two players performed exceptionally well together, a sentiment validated by their success against the Premier League champions.

Beyond discussing individual player roles, Sheringham also praised Postecoglou’s managerial decisions, particularly his willingness to make bold substitutions when necessary.

The Tottenham head coach has faced occasional criticism for being reactive with his changes rather than proactive. However, Sheringham pointed out that Postecoglou has shown courage in making significant calls, such as substituting key players during crucial moments.

One example Sheringham highlighted was Postecoglou’s decision to replace Maddison at halftime during the West Ham match, despite the playmaker performing well. The move initially raised eyebrows, but Tottenham ultimately went on to secure a convincing 4-1 victory.

Similarly, Postecoglou substituted Son Heung-min, the team’s captain and another top performer, during a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa, with Spurs again emerging victorious by the same scoreline.

Sheringham acknowledged the challenges of managing the egos of star players like Maddison and Son when making such high-stakes decisions. He stressed the importance of clear communication to ensure these players understand that such changes are tactical and not reflective of their individual performances.

Sheringham praised Postecoglou’s ability to navigate these dynamics while keeping the team’s overall success as the priority.

The recent success of Maddison and Kulusevski playing together, combined with Postecoglou’s tactical bravery, has positioned Tottenham as a formidable force this season.

Maddison’s two-goal performance against Manchester City served as a reminder of his quality and further validated Sheringham’s belief that he belongs in the starting lineup. Meanwhile, Kulusevski’s adaptability and growing influence provide Postecoglou with valuable flexibility in midfield.

These developments underline the strength of Postecoglou’s leadership and his ability to make difficult decisions for the betterment of the team.

Tottenham’s recent performances suggest that the balance between individual brilliance and collective cohesion is being struck effectively, with Maddison and Kulusevski at the heart of that success. As the season progresses, their partnership will likely continue to play a crucial role in Spurs’ quest for sustained success.

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