Daniel Farke expects James Maddison to have a key influence on Tottenham’s final two Premier League fixtures, as Roberto De Zerbi’s side attempt to secure safety. Spurs sit only two points clear of the relegation places with two matches left, placing extra weight on upcoming games against Chelsea and Everton.
Maddison returned from a long lay-off when Tottenham drew 1-1 at home with Farke’s Leeds United on Monday, making a late appearance from the bench. That outing was Maddison’s first competitive game of the season, and also the first in more than a year after serious knee problems.
The playmaker’s injury issues began with damage to the anterior cruciate ligament during pre-season, following another knee problem near the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
Farke previously worked with Maddison at Norwich City, before Maddison moved to Leicester City and later joined Tottenham, and that history shapes the Leeds United manager’s view.
Farke made clear how strongly Maddison is rated. "I have a soft spot for James Maddison. He was my player when he was pretty young," said Farke. "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. "
Last season under De Zerbi, only Dominic Solanke provided more direct goal contributions for Tottenham than Maddison. Solanke finished with 24 goal involvements in the league, while Maddison delivered 22, scoring 10 goals and supplying 12 assists as a central figure in Tottenham’s attacking structure.
| Tottenham player | Season | Competition | Goals | Assists | Total goal contributions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dominic Solanke | 2024-25 | Premier League | - | - | 24 |
| James Maddison | 2024-25 | Premier League | 10 | 12 | 22 |
| James Maddison | 2024-25 | Europa League | 3 | 3 | 6 |
Maddison also contributed three goals and three assists in Tottenham’s Europa League success, which ended a 17-year wait for silverware. Those displays underlined Maddison’s influence when available, and explain why Farke thinks Tottenham now possess a vital option for the tense final stretch.
Farke explained the emotional impact of Maddison’s absence and return. "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. 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. "
The 29-year-old’s comeback was marked by Tottenham on social media.
A first competitive appearance in over a year for Madders pic.twitter.com/uMRvKfbn37Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 11, 2026
With De Zerbi’s team now focused on survival rather than European places, Maddison’s creativity and set-piece ability could be decisive against Chelsea and Everton. Farke’s belief in Maddison’s influence adds further expectation as Tottenham try to complete a difficult season by staying in the Premier League.
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