James Maddison has been a pivotal player for Tottenham Hotspur this season under manager Ange Postecoglou. His role and style align with Postecoglou’s vision for the team’s playing style. Maddison began the season strongly, but an injury sidelined him for a significant period, during which Spurs struggled to replicate his creativity on the field. Despite this setback, they maintained their position within the top 4. Maddison recently made his return after a month-long absence. In this article, we will analyze his performance against Brentford, his role in the team, and his importance to Spurs’ long-term project.
Individual Performance Analysis
In-Possession; Buildup
Under Postecoglou, Spurs have implemented a clear buildup structure, positioning two center-backs wide in position, with both full-backs pushed higher up the field and a defensive midfielder in a single pivot role. Despite Brentford’s conservative approach, they ensured Spurs had limited time and space during the buildup. Thomas Frank emphasized his team’s intent to win the ball back high up the field before the game. Maddison operated in a free role, playing a pivotal part in the buildup. He frequently rotated with either full-back or operated alongside the single pivot at varying heights.
Once higher up the field, Spurs transitioned to their usual 2-3/3-3 buildup shape, with Maddison occupying the central zone. Depending on the ball’s location, he would drop into wide zones, especially as Brentford kept their centre compact during defensive organization.
Ball-Progression
In the first half, Spurs’ game plan was evident: they aimed to overload the center and create 1v1 situations for their wingers out wide, utilizing Kulusevski and Werner, who excel in such battles. The ball-sided full-back would make underlapping runs from the half-space to add depth to the attack.
Facing Brentford’s 5-3-2 defensive shape, Spurs sought to dominate the central channels with as many players as possible. Maddison played a crucial role in this phase by frequently switching sides to overload the wide areas and provide support to the wingers. However, Brentford quickly reacted by doubling or even tripling up on Spurs’ wingers, thwarting their initial plan.
Half-Space Principle
Postecoglou’s principle at Spurs of finding the opposite pocket is effectively implemented, facilitated by the rotation of the full-back and midfielder. This approach offers several advantages compared to vertical play, including optimal body positioning for the receiver, playing out of congested areas, and creating numerical overloads.
Maddison’s role involves moving into the ball-sided zones to create overloads and draw Brentford’s midfield line towards him before swiftly switching play to the other side, where the full-back is positioned to receive the ball.
Final Third
In the final third, Spurs aimed to create overloads by positioning 5 or 6 forward players across the five lanes, frequently making runs from deep to unsettle defenders’ organization.
Maddison was granted the freedom to operate in zone 14, where he either made late runs into the box or picked out players inside the box with his passes.
Out-of-Possession; Press and Shape
Without possession, Spurs maintained a 4-1-4-1 defensive shape, focusing on pressing high up the field. Maddison occupied a central position but had a limited role to play, as Brentford’s strategy involved playing long balls to their forward players positioned high up the pitch, aiming to exploit Spurs’ high defensive line.
2nd Half Adaptation
Spurs made slight adjustments to their offensive organization, instructing full-backs to support wingers with overlapping runs from the outside. The objective was to overload wide zones, with Maddison and Richarlison moving to wide corridors to create space to enter the box.
Additionally, Spurs appeared more menacing in attacking transitions, as Werner effectively utilized his pace to exploit the space left behind by Brentford’s defenders. Maddison played a pivotal role in Spurs’ third goal by making a blind-sided run inside the box, drawing defenders towards him before freeing up Richarlison.
Maddison’s Impact
James Maddison’s impact on Tottenham Hotspur under Postecoglou has been evident. The recent match against Brentford highlighted his crucial role and the significance of his creativity and adaptability within the team.
His involvement in rotation with full-backs in midfield during buildup, along with his occupation of the central zone, enables Spurs to play out from the back and progress centrally. Maddison frequently drops into wide areas to support the wingers and deliver through passes to underlapping full-backs. Additionally, his ability to make runs behind defenders and apply high pressing makes him a valuable asset for Spurs’ tactics approach.
Final Thoughts
James Maddison has emerged as a key player for Tottenham Hotspur under the management of Ange Postecoglou. His versatility and creativity have significantly contributed to the team’s tactical approach, particularly evident in their recent match against Brentford.
As Spurs continue their journey under Postecoglou, Maddison’s role and impact are likely to remain pivotal in shaping the team’s performance and achieving their long-term objectives.