Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison suffered a groin injury scare during last week’s win away at Chelsea, but returned to the matchday squad for the win against Crystal Palace on Saturday. He remained an unused substitute in Spurs’ 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.

James Maddison went a year and a half without making a start for Tottenham before finally returning to the starting line-up against Coventry City two weeks ago where he scored a stunning opener against his former side. It is no coincidence that the Lilywhites have won three games on the bounce following the 29-year-old’s return after failing to win any of their first six games, with the England international adding some much-needed creativity and vision to their attack.

This demonstrates how important the midfielder is to the North London club. However, Maddison is due to see his current deal expire in the summer of 2028, with his long-term future now in doubt as a result.

Roberto De Zerbi pushing for James Maddison’s new deal

Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness claims that Roberto De Zerbi is pushing internally for Maddison’s new deal. The Tottenham boss is increasingly keen for the English playmaker to be handed fresh terms as he hugely values the role the 29-year-old has played behind the scenes lately.

“I think he (Maddison) is a good character in the dressing room,” Keith Wyness said on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast (h/t Football Insider).

“I think that De Zerbi wants that in there for his group, and his experience would be helpful.

“He’s very outspoken. He’s great on social media. All those sort of things are good for the club moving forward.”

Spurs are approaching a crossroads with Maddison’s future next summer, with the possibilities of either a new contract or an exit both on the table. De Zerbi immensely values not only the player’s qualities on the pitch, but also the role he plays in the dressing room. He is a key part of the club’s leadership group.

Injuries remain a problem, though. The Coventry-born star has had a tough time with injuries in the last few years, which could potentially become a problem for him getting a bumper new contract. But De Zerbi feels Maddison is worthy of an extension, and if the creative midfielder can prove his fitness moving forward, the Italian tactician’s demand will carry more weight.