Tottenham’s defeat to Newcastle on Sunday was a major letdown for Spurs, leaving them in mid-table with only four points from their first three Premier League matches.
While many fans are disheartened by the team’s performance, Chris Sutton has voiced dissatisfaction with a different aspect of the game. On BBC 606, Sutton criticized James Maddison for his attempts to win a foul through diving. He pointed out that while Maddison is a talented player, he should avoid such tactics, suggesting that he is capable of better.
Sutton expressed his frustration: “The winner of the Simulation Game this week is James Maddison. He’s a talented player, but he has a history of this behavior. You’re better than this, James. Stay on your feet.”
Maddison, who has struggled to reach his best form recently and was left out of the England squad for the Euros, appears to be feeling the pressure. This desperation may be leading him to resort to diving, as noted by Sutton and also criticized by Roy Keane.
Sutton believes Maddison’s skills can be transformative when he is on form, and he should focus on improving in other areas rather than trying to win fouls through play-acting. For Tottenham’s sake, Maddison needs to elevate his game and contribute positively to the team’s performance this season.
