Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has offered detailed insight into the tactical importance of James Maddison, highlighting the England international’s singular profile while reassuring supporters over potential short-term selection adjustments.

Speaking to the media in comments shared by journalist Gary Ward on X, the Italian tactician highlighted Maddison’s unique contribution to Spurs’ central setup, while also detailing how Tottenham can adapt dynamically when necessary.

“He is a special player for us – a special player because he has unique characteristics, different than everyone. Maybe just Xavi Simons is very close with him, but he is injured, or Deki Kulusevski can play as a 10, similar to James.”

Versatile Solutions and Tactical Adaptability

While acknowledging Maddison’s influence, De Zerbi emphasized that Tottenham’s tactical framework relies on positional principles rather than over-dependence on any single individual. The manager laid out the alternative setups available within the squad, pointing to several attacking talents capable of executing the central playmaker duties.

“He special for the characteristics, for the experience, for the personality, but we can play with Marmoush as a 10 or with Conor Gallagher as a 10. We played already with Mateus Fernandes, even he is better as a playmaker, but it is not important I think the characteristics of the players, the most important is to put the players in the right position for them.”

This flexibility reflects the tactical depth Tottenham have built under De Zerbi, allowing the team to sustain high ball possession standards regardless of individual squad rotations.

Addressing Maddison’s recent workload and physical status following minor injury concerns, De Zerbi remained unconcerned about short-term training absences. The head coach praised the midfielder’s dedicated rehabilitation efforts over recent weeks, expressing total confidence in his overall conditioning.

“I think for James or anyway for the players who are coming from injury, long injury, you have to work more than the other players, but he is already four or five weeks working very hard and consistently. So, I think it is not a problem if you lose two days.”

As Tottenham prepare for their Premier League encounter against Crystal Palace seeking a third consecutive victory, De Zerbi’s calm approach highlights the structural confidence surging through North London. With options like Gallagher, Fernandes, and Kulusevski ready to step up, Spurs remain primed to maintain their momentum.