James Maddison's behaviour on Tottenham bench in Everton win called out

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James Maddison's passionate support for his Spurs team-mates during Sunday's crucial victory over Everton has drawn widespread acclaim. The midfielder has been sidelined for much of the campaign after suffering an Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during pre-season.

He made his return to action against Leeds earlier this month and was subsequently on the bench once again as Spurs secured their Premier League survival with a narrow 1-0 triumph over the Toffees, at the expense of West Ham , who thrashed Leeds 3-0.

Maddison had to be content with a spot on Roberto De Zerbi's bench as he continues his recovery from the injury. Despite not being called upon until the 81st minute, the former Leicester man was clearly a vocal presence on the sideline, loudly urging and motivating his colleagues throughout.

Maddison's behaviour, reminiscent of a coaching figure, caught the eye of supporters. One Spurs fan took to X to write: "Maddison cheering the team up from the bench. That is outstanding."

A PA reporter also clocked Maddison's animated support from the dugout, posting: "A water break here and Maddison, Solanke and Vicario all up off the bench to give instructions. Maddison now in conversation with referee Michael Oliver along with Van de Ven. De Zerbi speaking with the squad too. 0-0. 24'."

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Just before kick-off, a clip emerged on X showing Maddison leading the Spurs squad onto the pitch ahead of the Everton fixture. In the brief footage he can be heard demanding "full focus" from his teammates as he encourages them to "take in the feeling of the stadium."

In response, one Spurs supporter even urged the club to hand the midfielder the captaincy for the 2026/2027 campaign. They wrote: "Maddison has to be club captain next season. Absolute no-brainer."

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Discussing his return from injury, and his use as a substitute under De Zerbi since the Italian arrived at the club, the England international told Sky Sports that he's approaching his comeback gradually.

"Anyone who has worked in football or has been through this injury, it is not as easy just to drop back in," he said "It would be catastrophic for my career if something was to happen and we weren't safe or if we didn't follow the protocols from the specialist, but obviously I want to help the team as much as I can so let's see where we get to.

"Obviously I've been out for a long time so I'm not going to be at my fluid and fluent best, but I feel good and I've just got to try and help the team with whatever minutes I can," said Maddison. "I've obviously had a massive injury, so it's one of those where you have to respect the injury a little bit and that's probably why I am not starting games."

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Discussing Spurs' difficulties ahead of the Everton fixture, he continued: "We probably haven't been good enough going forward this season, that's the reality. It's a bit of a lack of quality in the final moments. I think that is something I can bring, so hopefully when I'm on the pitch and whatever minutes I can get, I have just got to try and help the team with that.

"We've got to give everything for this club, for the badge and for our fans. It is unacceptable and a little bit embarrassing that we're in this position as Tottenham Hotspur but it's the reality unfortunately and it's up to us to get out of it."

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