Danny Murphy spot-on with James Maddison ‘dilemma’ ahead of Tottenham vs Everton
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Credit: Imago / BBC Match of the Day Wed 20 May 2026 10:00, UK James Maddison has brought a bright spark to the team since returning from injury, but it might not be enough to save Tottenham Hotspur.The Premier League relegation race is set to come down to the final day after Roberto De Zerbi’s side fell to a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, 19 May.Tottenham must get at least a point against Everton, while West Ham, who are two points from safety in 18th place, have to hope the result goes their way while welcoming Leeds United to the London Stadium.Spurs have a huge chance to secure safety, mainly due to their goal difference in North London, but the Lilywhites will want to end the campaign on a high, and that could come down to Maddison.James Maddison backed to make first start of the season vs EvertonThe 29-year-old midfielder has come off the bench in Spurs’ last two games, making an emotional return after over a year on the sidelines, and it remains to be seen how many minutes he can complete on the final day. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Speaking on the BBC’s Match of the Day (19 May) about the creative playmaker, Danny Murphy said: “The big dilemma he’s got at the minute, and I don’t know how fit he is, but Maddison is the game-changer.
“If he can start, even for 60 minutes, because that first goal in that stadium at the weekend is going to be massive,” before arguing that he’d rather see Maddison start and tire himself out giving Spurs a lead.James Maddison vs ChelseaStats [FotMob]Minutes played21Touches28Passing accuracy100% (23/23)Big chances missed1Recoveries2Dribbled past1Ground duels won0% (0/1)The alternative would be him coming off the bench, potentially needing to find a goal as a substitute, with the Toffees pushing for European qualification on the final day of the season.Maddison’s final role could be keeping Tottenham safeIt has been an extremely difficult year for Maddison, who has been forced to watch his teammates struggle from the treatment table, unable to make an impact on the pitch.And now, Mick Brown revealed to Football Insider that Coventry City are plotting a sensational move for Maddison, which would bring an end to his three years in North London.Should Roberto De Zerbi start James Maddison against Everton on Sunday, or keep him on the bench if they need a game changer mid-match? pic.twitter.com/o3acdG4kGJ— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) May 20, 2026 View Tweet After 16 goals and 19 assists in 77 appearances since joining from Leicester City in June 2023, he is a much-loved figure at Hotspur Way, but his future is not guaranteed after a year out with injury.Having begun his career with Coventry, however, a return to his boyhood club might be difficult for him to turn down this summer, whether Spurs stay in the Premier League or not. Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Tottenham Hotspur Insider Access Get the full story from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Hotspur Way with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from N17 and Hotspur Way.