Former Tottenham star Chris Waddle has delivered a clear message to manager Roberto De Zerbi: if James Maddison is fit enough to play any part, he must start as Spurs fight for their Premier League lives.
Tottenham’s situation remains perilous despite finally ending their 118-day wait for a league victory with last weekend’s narrow win over bottom-placed Wolves. With just four games remaining and Spurs still two points from safety, De Zerbi is scrambling for solutions after a season defined by crippling injuries.
The latest blow came with confirmation that Xavi Simons suffered a season-ending ACL injury — ruling him out of both the run-in and this summer’s World Cup. Maddison is the obvious replacement, but the midfielder has not played a competitive match for almost a year after suffering his own ACL rupture last August.
De Zerbi has remained cautious in managing the 29-year-old’s recovery, naming him on the bench in recent weeks but resisting the temptation to throw him in too soon.
Yet Waddle believes Tottenham no longer have the luxury of patience.
Waddle: “If Maddison feels right, he has to play”
Speaking to Standard Sport on behalf of Prime Casino, Waddle argued that even a partially fit Maddison could transform a Spurs attack that has been one of the least creative in the division.
“I just wonder if he [De Zerbi] can get Maddison into the team,” Waddle said. “He’s a good player — we know he can create. If he’s feeling fit and confident about his knee, then he’s got to be put in. He’s a creative player.”
Maddison has not featured since May 2025, but his return would provide a much-needed spark for a Tottenham side that have completed the joint-fewest through balls in the Premier League this season.
Simons blow forces a tactical rethink
Before his injury, Simons appeared to be the solution De Zerbi was searching for, excelling as an inverted left-sider drifting into central playmaking zones. His loss is the third season-ending injury Spurs have suffered since De Zerbi took charge just a month ago, pushing the Italian coach back to square one.
Waddle backs Tel for a breakout role
Waddle also singled out Mathys Tel as another potential difference-maker. The young French winger has struggled for starts but impressed with his cameo at Wolves, where he won the corner that led to Joao Palhinha’s decisive goal.
“I thought Tel did really well when he came on against Wolves,” Waddle added. “If he can hold that form, maybe this manager suits him. De Zerbi likes front-foot players who can do things on the ball. Tel could be a bright spark in these last four games.”
Still, Waddle returned to the same central point — Spurs need Maddison.
“Time is running out — he has to play”
With Tottenham facing the threat of relegation to the second tier for the first time since 1977, Waddle believes the moment demands bold decisions.
“With the time left, I just wonder if he can get Maddison in the team,” he said. “If he’s even close to fit, Spurs have to take that chance.”
