James Maddison Determined to Bounce Back After Euros Snub: “I’m Hungry to Show My Best Version This Season”
James Maddison is on a mission. After the disappointment of missing out on the England squad for the Euros, the 27-year-old midfielder is channeling that setback into motivation for what he hopes will be a standout season with Tottenham Hotspur. Maddison, who struggled with form and fitness towards the end of the last campaign, now seems reinvigorated and ready to prove his worth.
A Difficult End to Last Season
Maddison’s 2022/23 season was a tale of two halves. The first half saw him in scintillating form, driving Leicester City’s attack with his creativity, vision, and goal-scoring prowess. However, after suffering an injury midway through the season, Maddison’s form took a sharp decline upon his return. His performances in the latter part of the campaign lacked the sharpness and influence that had made him one of the most exciting players in the Premier League.
The dip in form ultimately cost Maddison a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Euros, a blow that hit the player hard. “I was devastated to miss out on the Euros,” Maddison confessed in an interview with The Standard. “But my network, and my dad especially, would never let that define me. I’m hungry to do well this season.”
Using Adversity as Motivation
For Maddison, the disappointment of missing out on international duty has been transformed into a driving force for the new season. The midfielder has used the summer break not as a time to wallow in self-pity but as an opportunity to recharge, refocus, and rededicate himself to his craft.
Reflecting on his mindset, Maddison said, “Setbacks are set-ups for comebacks, I’ve seen that quote somewhere! It’s how you deal with adversity. My network around me, my parents, partner, agent, the manager, they wouldn’t let me dwell on that. I knew I would come back with a hunger.”
Maddison also revealed that he spent the summer working extremely hard to ensure he was in peak condition for the start of the new season. “I trained really well. I trained well with England as well; we had the warm-up game against North Macedonia, and I felt I played well in that, so it was disappointing to miss out. I had a good chat with Gareth about it. All of that is motivation now, because it’s gone. And it’s about using [that disappointment] as fuel to be good this season.”
A Bright Start to the New Campaign
Tottenham Hotspur’s opening game of the Premier League season against Leicester City offered the first glimpse of Maddison’s renewed determination. The attacking midfielder was back to his best, pulling the strings in the final third and looking dangerous every time he was on the ball. His performance was capped by a perfect cross that set up Tottenham’s only goal of the game, showcasing the quality that Spurs fans will be hoping to see throughout the season.
“I never doubt myself. I had no doubt that in the first game I was going to be ready to go and put in a good performance. I felt like I did that,” Maddison asserted. His confidence and self-belief were evident on the pitch, where he played with the flair and composure that have become his trademarks.
Maddison’s display against Leicester was not just a statement to his critics but also a reassurance to Tottenham supporters that he is fully committed and capable of making a significant impact this season. For a player who oozes class and thrives on competition, the disappointment of missing the Euros appears to have only sharpened his resolve.
The Importance of Staying Fit and Consistent
One of the key challenges for Maddison this season will be maintaining his fitness and consistency. Injuries have hampered his progress in the past, and staying fit will be crucial if he is to fulfill his potential and deliver on the promise he showed early in his career. Maddison himself is acutely aware of this, noting, “I’m desperate to be a top player for the whole season, stay fit, and show everyone the best version of myself.”
“I knew I’d be ready by game one to have a good season. And I want to show the gaffer, the fans, my teammates that I can be back consistently to my best. I could not quite find that post-injury [last season], but it’s always about how you respond.”
The 27-year-old’s ambition is clear. He is not content with being a good player; he wants to be a top player, someone who can influence games week in and week out. This season represents a pivotal moment in Maddison’s career, as he seeks to cement his place among the Premier League’s elite playmakers and earn his way back into the England squad.
A Positive Outlook for Tottenham
For Tottenham, Maddison’s resurgence is a hugely positive sign. After a summer of significant changes, including the departure of long-time talisman Harry Kane, the club needs its key players to step up. Maddison, with his creativity, vision, and technical ability, has the potential to become a central figure in Ange Postecoglou’s plans.
Spurs fans will be hoping that Maddison’s performance against Leicester is just the beginning of a season where he consistently showcases his undoubted talent. If he can stay fit and maintain the level of play he displayed in the opening game, there is every reason to believe that Maddison will not only prove his doubters wrong but also play a pivotal role in Tottenham’s pursuit of success this season.
In the end, the disappointment of missing out on the Euros may turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Maddison. It has reignited his hunger, sharpened his focus, and set him on a path to prove that he belongs at the very top. For Tottenham Hotspur, that can only be good news.
