Maddison's 'magic' could be key to Tottenham's survival fight

Jamie Carragher has suggested that Tottenham Hotspur may need to rely on James Maddison's creative abilities to steer clear of Premier League relegation, as the club faces an unexpectedly difficult season.

The former Liverpool defender believes Maddison, who returned from injury earlier this month, could be the key figure to help Spurs escape the bottom half of the table. Tottenham currently find themselves in unfamiliar territory, sitting dangerously close to the relegation zone with just five games remaining.

"Spurs need Maddison's magic if they're going to stay up," Carragher said in his latest column. "It's incredible that we're even talking about Tottenham potentially getting relegated. But this squad has underperformed so badly that it's a real possibility now."

Maddison, who joined Tottenham from Leicester City in the summer of 2023 for around £40 million, has shown glimpses of his quality since returning from a knee injury that kept him out for several weeks earlier this season. The England international has provided crucial assists and created numerous chances, but the team has struggled to convert these opportunities into results.

Tottenham's form has been concerning, with just two wins in their last eight Premier League matches. Manager Ange Postecoglou is under increasing pressure as the club faces the very real prospect of their first top-flight relegation in decades. The Australian coach has been unable to turn around the team's fortunes despite having quality players at his disposal.

The situation is made more complex by injuries to several key players throughout the campaign. Tottenham's defensive record has been particularly poor, conceding over 60 goals in the league this season. Without a significant turnaround in form, the club could face its most challenging season in living memory.

Maddison's creative spark has been evident in recent matches, but he cannot solve all of Tottenham's problems alone. The north London club needs results immediately, with crucial fixtures against fellow bottom-half teams coming up in the next fortnight. A run of positive results could make the difference between survival and an unprecedented fall from grace for one of England's traditionally stronger clubs.