Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has lavished praise on a 'special' Spurs star who has done very well in training recently, backing him to play an important role in the relegation run-in.
Tottenham braced for Aston Villa trip in battle for survival
Spurs' fight for survival rolls on this weekend with a huge trip to Aston Villa, a game that could define how their season ends.
With only a few matches remaining and the gap to safety still tight, every point is vital for De Zerbi’s side.
Villa away is about as tough as it gets in the current run-in.
They are pushing at the top end of the table, while Spurs are battling at the other end, but De Zerbi has made it clear he does not see the fixture as unwinnable.
His message in recent days has been focused on belief, urging his players to ignore outside noise and concentrate on what they can control.
The challenge, though, is obvious.
Injuries have stretched the squad to its absolute limit, and key attacking options remain unavailable.
That has forced changes in both personnel and approach, with Tottenham needing others to step up in difficult circumstances.
One potential boost could come from James Maddison.
De Zerbi tips James Maddison for 'important' Tottenham role
The midfielder has been sidelined all season, but there are now signs he could still have a role to play before the campaign ends.
De Zerbi has been openly positive about Maddison’s influence, both on and off the pitch, and his latest comments suggest the door is not closed on a return.
Speaking ahead of the Villa clash, De Zerbi suggested that the England international is a candidate to play in the next three matches and finally make his long-awaited comeback since last summer's ACL injury.
"I don't know, I would like to play with him, because he's a special player, he's a different player," De Zerbi said.
"But we have to consider the physical condition, a lot of things. But I think he can be important in the next three games."
The Spurs boss added that Maddison has done "very well' in training lately, with De Zerbi clearly optimistic that the playmaker could play a major role soon.
That statement offers a clear indication of intent.
Even if Maddison is not ready to start immediately, he could still be used in a controlled way — perhaps from the bench — to influence key moments.
The wider picture adds even more weight to his potential return.
With Tottenham short on creativity and dealing with multiple absentees, most notably Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus, having a player like Maddison available — even in limited minutes — could change the dynamic of their attack.
His presence is not just technical either.
Maddison brings personality and leadership, something De Zerbi has consistently valued during this difficult period. In a squad dealing with pressure and setbacks, those qualities can be just as important as ability.
For now, the focus remains on Villa.
It is another tough test in what has been a demanding season, but also an opportunity.
And if Maddison is fit enough to feature, even briefly, he could yet have a say in how Tottenham’s season finishes.