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James Maddison has finally returned to action for Tottenham Hotspur, and amid a relegation battle, the timing could not be sweeter.

The Englishman has the ability and talent to change games, and when the going gets tough, those attributes are exactly what are required.

As vice-captain as well, his leadership and voice in the dressing room will also lend a helping hand to Roberto De Zerbi.

However, as the season comes to a close in the next two weeks, the Italian must decide whether Maddison is capable of much more involvement than he had versus Leeds United.

Ahead of Tottenham facing Chelsea, having Maddison be involved for longer periods on the pitch is what everyone wants to happen, and now the decision is up to De Zerbi.

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James Maddison can be Tottenham’s difference maker

Maddison’s introduction against Leeds may have been a “break in case of emergency” situation, with the Lilywhites desperate to restore their lead.

A win against the Elland Road outfit would have provided quite the comfortable gap, with Spurs four points to the good above West Ham.

However, Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s penalty has kept the situation tight at the bottom of the table, and the re-emergence of Maddison may have to be called upon much more.

As seen by last season’s performances, Maddison has the quality to influence games in a positive manner. In 31 Premier League appearances, he secured 16 goal contributions.

He completed 1.2 key passes per match and created six big chances throughout the course of the season as well.

Maddison is also fairly strong in duels, winning 54 per cent of his ground duels last season.

With Tottenham’s relegation chances looking in good stead, they cannot take that for granted, which is why Maddison may need to feature more.

Maddison influence more than just data for Tottenham

Against Leeds, he had limited time to make an impact, but his appearance showed how much influence he can have.

Tottenham were able to slow the game down and remain calm despite pushing for a late winner. This is an underrated trait that allows Spurs to maintain pressure and create more chances rather than frantically search for them.

Additionally, Maddison also should have earned a penalty for Lukas Nmecha’s challenge on him.

Overall, his presence alone brought a calm to the Lilywhites’ play, and if he were fit to feature against Daniel Farke’s Leeds, then he would be fit to face Chelsea.

De Zerbi must make the call to give him more time to have an impact at Stamford Bridge. He may not be fit to start, but surely he is capable of more than just an 85th-minute cameo.

Maddison can be Tottenham’s difference maker in a time where they are desperate to find one.

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Tottenham Hotspur may have pulled off a masterclass with the signing of Oliver Boast from Leeds United.

The 17-year-old was poached from Leeds’ academy in the summer of 2025, and has had a brilliant debut season for the Under-18s.

He has notched 14 goals and four assists in his first season at Hotspur Way, and has garnered significant hype.

The deal to poach him from the Whites just looks better every week, with his exploits in the youth ranks.

Tottenham will be hoping that he can eventually make the step up to first-team level after his remarkable progress so far.

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Tottenham figure hailed amid Oliver Boast progress

John Wenham believes that Tottenham academy head of recruitment Jack Chapman deserves special praise for that signing.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “Jack Chapman in recruitment has done a very, very good job so far in terms of bringing Oliver Boast from Leeds, who’s looking fantastic.

“Not only is he regularly scoring, he got two goals for the 18s vs Reading, but his all-round play is just improving a lot and I’m just wondering where his best position is going to be because, he was signed as a striker but I’ve seen him play off the right and off the left and he’s looked good in both because of the way he can carry the ball.

“I just wonder if he’s going to go as a number 10 moving forward because he can pick up passes well and he’s very determined.

“He looks a fantastic pick-up from Leeds and Jack Chapman also brought Oscar Sandiford, a right back from Crystal Palace for a decent sum of money.

“I think it was around £400,000 and he looked really, really good as well, we are definitely getting better in recruiting young players.”

What’s next for Boast?

He has already taken to Under-18 football, so they may want to test him at a higher level, with a promotion to the Under-21s surely on the cards soon.

They will want to see how he fares at that level, before perhaps sending him out on loan to get senior experience.

It will still be a decent amount of time before he is seen in and around the first-team but he is definitely one of the most exciting prospects in N17.

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Tottenham Hotspur have two games left to save their Premier League status.

Roberto De Zerbi has worked wonders to ensure that survival is in Tottenham’s hands, though with two games left to be played, they remain at risk of relegation.

Spurs’ 1-1 draw with Leeds was a wasted opportunity by the North Londoners,m who could fall back into the bottom three if they fail to win their next encounter against Chelsea, depending on how West Ham fare in their clash.

With several key players back to fitness, and confidence much higher than it was, De Zerbi will be confident that he can do what is needed to keep his side in the top flight.

However, Opta have updated Tottenham’s relegation chances, and it demonstrates the ongoing risk.

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How likely are Tottenham to be relegated?

Given that Spurs are out of the bottom three with just two games to go, it’s no surprise that they are still the favourites to avoid relegation.

However, that could change in an instant if Tottenham suffer defeat against Chelsea, with West Ham likely to get a result against Newcastle.

Ahead of the penultimate fixture, the North Londoners have a 19.54 per cent chance of relegation, with a predicted final points tally of 40, as per Opta.

On that assumption, it’s predicted that they will draw both of their remaining games.

West Ham remain favourites to go down, with an 80.46 per cent chance of relegation, while also being predicted to draw both of their remaining games.

However, with it being as tight as it is, De Zerbi will be well aware of the fact that there is still so much more work to do.

Chelsea fixture could decide Tottenham’s fate

Spurs’ home record is abysmal, and the draw against Leeds meant that they have still managed just two league wins there all season.

And with the final game of the season due to be played at home to Everton, very few supporters will hold much optimism.

However, their away form has seen them pick up 26 of their 38 points this season, and against an out-of-form Chelsea side, they will have faith.

Anything less than a win this weekend could prove costly.

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Roberto De Zerbi‘s style of play has seemingly brought out the best in Pedro Porro at Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs’ dismal campaign can be put down to numerous factors, but underperforming players are certainly the main one.

For far too long, the majority of the senior squad have been levels below what is expected of them, and Porro has been one of them.

The Spaniard has looked vulnerable defensively and failed to offer the level of creativity going forward that we all became accustomed to.

However, after Tottenham’s draw with Leeds on Monday night, that looks to have changed, and it bodes well for the final two games.

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Pedro Porro’s numbers vs Leeds United

Porro had managed 15 Premier League assists in his two and a half seasons in the Premier League prior to the current one, where he has since managed just two.

His quality in the final third has been lacking, though it was a very different story against Daniel Farke’s Leeds United.

The Spaniard created three chances, which was the most of any player on the pitch, with an xA of 0.39.

With 87 touches, Porro also had the most of anyone on the night, and the majority of them led to something meaningful for the Lilywhites, with four crosses and dribbles completed.

He completed 40 of his 48 attempted passes, resulting in an 83 per cent pass accuracy, which is 8.6 per cent higher than his season average.

Defensively, he made four tackles and won six duels, showcasing a slight improvement in that area of his game as well.

Tottenham need Porro to maintain Leeds form

Safety remains in Tottenham’s hands, though one defeat could change all of that depending on how West Ham get on in their final two games.

And if they are to avoid that, they will need to ensure Porro maintains the levels he showcased against Leeds.

He can be a difference-maker in the wide areas, and with two tough games approaching, his quality in those areas could prove to be crucial.

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James Maddison is already set for a busy summer after featuring for Tottenham Hotspur on Monday.

The Englishman finally returned from a cruciate ligament tear at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League clash with Leeds United.

Roberto De Zerbi called on the attacking midfielder with five minutes to go as he made his first appearance after 254 days and 46 games out.

The 29-year-old came on but couldn’t have a match-winning impact as Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s penalty meant the points were shared in North London.

There will now be questions over Maddison’s fitness as the final weeks of the season approach, with a pre-season plan seemingly already in place.

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James Maddison in for busy summer at Tottenham

The number 10 has struggled with various injury problems throughout his career, but nowhere as much as N17.

He has already faced four separate issues since signing from Leicester City in 2023, with his latest being by far the worst.

Having been on the sidelines since August 2025, extra steps will be taken to ensure the same issue doesn’t recur.

Former scout Bryan King has suggested that any holidays will be on the back burner for Maddison as he prepares to work hard throughout pre-season.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, King said: “He’s got a hard summer ahead, that’s for sure.

“If he gets a holiday, he’ll be lucky because he’s been out for 10 months.

“Spurs will want him in the side next season, that’s for sure.

“He was involved in the controversy straight away with the potential penalty.

“He’s a talented player, but he’s got to get himself properly match fit so he can play at least 30 games next season.

“I think him and Gallagher would certainly be an interesting pairing.”

Maddison’s return is a long-awaited boost for Tottenham, but it looks likely that his main impact will come next season rather than right now.

Maddison minutes to be limited in final two Premier League games

With all eyes seemingly on a busy summer for the ex-England international, there will be less focus on the final weeks of the Premier League season.

Spurs may be facing the threat of relegation, but they can’t rush the attacking midfielder back even with just two games remaining.

De Zerbi may call on Maddison away to Chelsea and at home to Everton, but too many minutes could prove to be detrimental.

Considering he’s only played one game all season, it would be wise to allow him to rest and be fully ready for the new campaign.

Maddison now needs to put in the work and prove what value he can provide next campaign once he’s fully fit.

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Randal Kolo Muani’s performance for Tottenham Hotspur against Leeds United does not warrant him starting the next game, but he may have to.

The forward options in N17 are incredibly slim at the moment with the injuries piling up in that department.

Roberto De Zerbi was without Dominic Solanke, Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, Wilson Odobert and Dejan Kulusevski as Spurs took on Leeds.

It is a quintet that would be a quality forward line for any Premier League side.

Solanke could be back for Tottenham’s match against Chelsea, but Kolo Muani may still have to feature, despite poor showings over the last few months.

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Randal Kolo Muani fails to inspire against Leeds United

There are many poor Tottenham performances that could be pinpointed from Monday night’s game, but Kolo Muani’s is certainly the pick of the bunch.

The 27-year-old was ineffective in attack and was ultimately second best in the majority of his individual battles.

It was a display that felt like he did not understand what was on the line, and if it were not for injuries, he would be far away from De Zerbi’s linup right now.

Against Leeds, the French international had zero shots. There was not even one attempt which was blocked by a defender as per Sofascore.

Additionally, in 20 contested duels, he won just six of those. A 30 per cent win rate is simply not good enough in a relegation battle.

When it came to dribbles, he lost more than he succeeded in, with two out of five successful. Finally, he lost possession on 23 occasions for Tottenham.

Overall, it was simply a dismal showing, and the fact he is only on loan could be playing a part in that.

Randal Kolo Muani has no relegation consequences compared to Tottenham teammates

Kolo Muani is only on loan at Tottenham, so relegation will have little meaning to him as compared to players such as Richarlison.

If Spurs do go down, the French striker will simply return straight back to PSG and assess his future in the world of football.

In reality, unlike many in De Zerbi’s squad, the 27-year-old will face zero consequences if the Lilywhites do go down.

That could perhaps be playing on the World Cup finalist’s mind, with his displays lacking that definitive edge and the urgency required for the current situation.

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Mathys Tel has confessed to holding a “bitter feeling” after the Tottenham Hotspur star went from hero to zero against Leeds United.

After banking an excellent performance in Tottenham’s 2-1 win at Aston Villa prior to Monday night, Roberto De Zerbi decided to keep the winger in his side for the visit of Leeds.

The 21-year-old has blown hot and cold in his first full season as a Spurs player, having initially joined on loan from Bayern Munich in the second half of last term.

Four goals and one assist from 29 Premier League appearances in 2025-26 isn’t the return he would’ve been hoping for, but the Frenchman is finishing the year strongly.

Tel played well against Leeds, but his strong display was overshadowed by his concession of a penalty in the second half that earned the Whites a draw in N17.

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What did Mathys Tel say after Tottenham vs Leeds?

Tel scored and conceded a penalty against Leeds, with his first impact on the game being to put Tottenham in front with a brilliant goal on 50 minutes.

Following a Spurs corner, the ball fell to him on the edge of the Leeds box, where he took an exquisite first touch, before bending a powerful effort into the far top corner of the net.

However, his second big flashpoint of the match came on 69 minutes, when he attempted to clear the ball from inside his own box with an acrobatic overhead kick.

Tel only ever had eyes for the ball, but that meant he was unaware of Ethan Ampadu closing in to contest that same ball with his head, and the Spurs winger’s right boot would make contact with the Leeds midfielder’s head.

After a VAR check, referee Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin made no mistake, bringing Leeds level at 1-1, which is how the game would end.

Taking to his Instagram account after the game, Tel made it clear that he had mixed feeling over his performance, but also sent a rallying cry for Tottenham’s final two games.

“A bitter feeling tonight… Thank y’all for the support let’s keep pushing and fighting until the end,” he said.

Tel looks to be a big winner of De Zerbi appointment

Still only 21-years old, Tel is still very much in the infancy of his senior career, but having been playing first-team football in France since the 2021-22 season, it feels like he’s been around for a lot longer than he has.

Indeed, he represented Bayern Munich 83 times in all competitions before signing for Tottenham, showing just how much ability he has and how highly-rated the Frenchman is.

Unlocking that potential and extracting it on a consistent basis can often be the big challenge with these kinds of players, but it would appear that De Zerbi is beginning to do so.

Despite his concession of the penalty, Tel was impressive once again on Monday night, and now has an assist and a goal from his first two starts under De Zerbi.

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Roberto De Zerbi has a tough decision on his hands when it comes to Antonin Kinsky’s Tottenham Hotspur future.

The goalkeeper endured a miserable time at Spurs before the Italian took the job, but an injury to Guglielmo Vicario has handed him the chance to shine.

He has done just that while having to fill in for the former Empoli star, and may well have made the number one spot his own.

He was integral in the Lilywhites’ 1-1 draw against Leeds at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 11 May, further staking a claim to the starting role.

Tottenham have witnessed a remarkable turnaround from Kinsky, and one moment in particular was truly brilliant against the Whites.

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What did Jamie Carragher say about Tottenham goalkeeper situation?

Kinsky has firmly wiped away the Tottenham doubters with his recent performances since replacing Vicario, he has been almost faultless.

That continued against Daniel Farke’s side as he made a save to deny Joe Rodon in the first-half that would have given the visitors the lead, stunning former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher in the process.

Speaking on Sky Sports (20:57 pm), he said: “To get down so quickly and react, it’s almost behind him.

“Absolutely outstanding save from the goalkeeper, it’s a free header, not great defensively.

“What he went through with the previous manager, he has come in with Vicario being out, I think when Vicario comes back, I’d be sticking with him.”

He then made a stunning save in the latter stages of second-half stoppage time that could prove crucial to Spurs’ survival.

Why De Zerbi must listen to Carragher and stick with Kinsky

De Zerbi must heed Carragher’s advice, and promote Kinsky to the number one spot for the foreseeable future.

He has finally adapted to the English game after his run in the side, and he looks so much better than the Italian stopper.

The Czech star made three saves, preventing an expected goals tally of 1.05 in a brilliant showing, per data from Fotmob.

He also completed four recoveries, and acted as a sweeper two times, while recording a 67 per cent pass accuracy.

He justified any potential decision to reward him and hand him the permanent starting role once again, and it would be no surprise if that was the case going forward, with Vicario either a backup or moved on in the summer.

It is finally becoming clear why Spurs were willing to part with £12.5million to bring him to North London from Slavia Prague, and they are seeing the benefits.

Now, he must be given the chance to keep the jersey and make it his own, after impressing once again in the clash with the Yorkshire side.

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Tottenham Hotspur have been backed to send James Wilson back to his parent club Hearts, rather than signing him on a permanent basis.

Wilson was signed for the Under-21 squad in the winter transfer window in a bizarre addition, with a reported £2.5million buy clause.

The Lilywhites secured his short-term signature over Arsenal, despite the fact that he had made 45 senior appearances for the Scottish side.

He had scored eight goals and notched three assists for them, so he already had a pedigree in the same division which Mikey Moore is currently thriving in.

Tottenham raised eyebrows when they completed his deal, and their decision in the summer will have plenty of eyes on it.

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What was said about Wilson’s future at Tottenham?

John Wenham believes that the most likely option is that Wilson leaves Tottenham and goes back to the Jambos.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “The one I wonder about is James Wilson.

“This is the kid that came on loan from Hearts, despite the fact Hearts might win the first league title for 60-odd years or whatever it is, and instead has come to play for our under-21s, which I just find strange.

“I know we’ve got this option to buy out, but I probably would send him back, from what I’ve seen.

“We’ve got other strikers that, including Will Lankshear, who’s been out on loan at Oxford doing so well, I’d put above him [Mason Melia and Dane Scarlett], in terms of moving forward as a club.”

How has Wilson performed for Tottenham Under-21s?

The Scotland Under-21 international has made 11 appearances, scoring four goals in total, which is not a bad return by any means.

He started well with two goals in his first three matches, against Norwich and Liverpool in the Premier League 2.

He then failed to score in games against Middlesbrough and Leeds United before he got back to scoring form against West Ham and Wolves.

Wilson did not have an impact in the three Premier League 2 playoff matches, as he did not notch a single goal as Spurs were beaten 3-1 by Brighton in the semi-finals.

That does not look too encouraging for his chances of stepping up to the first-team, so an exit probably makes sense.

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Tottenham Hotspur can move within touching distance of survival with a win against Leeds on Monday night, though that could come at a cost for Mikey Moore.

For the first and last time in a long time, Tottenham fans will have celebrated an Arsenal goal like never before, given the impact it had on their chances of survival.

With West Ham having lost, it means that Spurs can move four points clear of relegation with a win over Leeds, who had their safety confirmed as a result.

For far too many reasons to include in a single story, Tottenham need to cement their spot in the Premier League ahead of the final games.

However, if they do, Moore’s return to North London could be short-lived.

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Mikey Moore’s Tottenham future examined

Moore has had a rather productive loan spell at Rangers this season, with a total of 10 goal involvements across all competitions.

He scored in their latest defeat to Celtic, though he could not change their fortunes as their title hopes were ended on the day.

The teen has created 36 chances in the Scottish Premiership, with seven of them having been deemed as big chances, placing him among the top 16.4 per cent of wingers in the division.

On top of that, only 7.5 per cent of wingers have completed more dribbles than Moore, with the 18-year-old averaging 2.08 per game.

But given his performances this season, he will want guarantees over gametime, and if Tottenham stay in the Premier League, he is unlikely to get those reassurances here.

What could be next for Moore?

Spurs could look to loan him out again next season, and if it were to be in their hands, that is likely the choice they would make.

This time, a move to a team just promoted to the Premier League, or one chasing promotion, could prove to be the best route.

It would give Moore the chance to showcase his worth at a more superior standard, while Spurs would still hold the cards over his long-term future.

With that said, if a permanent suitor were to come to the table, the teen may look to jump at the chance to really progress his career.

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