James Maddison backed to be Tottenham’s difference-maker in relegation fight after injury return | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur remain deeply entrenched in a relegation battle, but the long-awaited return of James Maddison from injury has ignited hopes that he can provide the crucial difference in their fight for survival.

The midfielder made his first competitive appearance in 375 days on Monday, coming off the bench in the 85th minute of Spurs’ 1-1 draw at home to Leeds.

Maddison’s prolonged absence has been a significant blow to Tottenham’s already challenging season. A partial tear of his anterior cruciate ligament last May was followed by a complete rupture during a pre-season friendly in August, compounding a series of other injury problems that have severely hampered the club.

Following his brief but bright cameo against Leeds, which leaves Spurs 17th in the Premier League with a two-point cushion and just two games remaining, a candid Maddison described the current campaign as "one to forget" for everyone associated with the club.

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Maddison was heavily involved after coming off the bench on Monday (Getty)

However, after a frustrating period watching from the sidelines, Maddison is finally able to contribute. His former manager, Daniel Farke, who witnessed his comeback firsthand, expressed no doubt about the "baller’s" potential impact, especially after Maddison nearly won a stoppage-time penalty against Leeds.

Farke, under whom Maddison flourished at Norwich, shared his admiration: "I have a soft spot for James Maddison. He was my player when he was pretty young. If you love football, then you love James Maddison because he is a pure baller. For me, he is one of the most creative, gifted and talented midfield players in England."

The Leeds boss added: "You feel (sorry) when such a great footballer and even better human being is out for such a long time, but I was just delighted to see him back in the last matchday squads.

“What he has shown in the last few minutes, although he was out for such a long time, he can be there with a decisive pass, or a decisive cross or a decisive set-piece.

“He is also smart in and around the box to win sometimes smart free-kicks or perhaps even try to win a penalty sometimes. It’s always good when you have an option like James Maddison. I’m pretty sure he will and can play an important part in the run-in."

Maddison’s proven attacking prowess, having registered 12 goals and 11 assists last season, underscores the creative void Spurs have endured.

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Daniel Farke believes Maddison can have a huge impact on Tottenham's chances of staying up (Getty)

No Tottenham player has reached such attacking tallies this season, and the club has suffered a string of unwanted records, including a 15-match winless run in the Premier League.

Without Maddison’s creativity, Spurs have struggled to score goals from open play and take control of matches, exacerbating their precarious position and increasing the risk of a seismic first relegation in 49 years.

While recent changes have aimed to breathe fresh life into an injury-hit and abject Tottenham team, Maddison could be the much-needed ace in the pack.

Even if Maddison is likely limited to substitute appearances against Chelsea and Everton, his composure, calm, and quality in the final third are expected to significantly aid Spurs, regardless of the game’s state.