Roberto De Zerbi believes James Maddison can become a major asset for Tottenham Hotspur again once the England midfielder regains full match fitness.
Maddison made an encouraging 15-minute substitute appearance in Tottenham’s 3–1 Carabao Cup defeat at Liverpool, producing several incisive passes and helping the visitors look more creative in the closing stages at Anfield.
The 29-year-old has been carefully managed after a long recovery from anterior cruciate ligament damage suffered during Tottenham’s pre-season match against Newcastle in August 2025. He returned ahead of schedule toward the end of last season but has faced further interruptions, including a shoulder problem suffered during the opening-day defeat at Brentford.
De Zerbi said Maddison’s technical ability, experience and personality could make a significant difference to his side, but stressed that the midfielder cannot yet be rushed into a full workload.
“Maddison is for sure a different player, a special player,” De Zerbi said. “But he has to be fit, he has to be in the right physical condition, because the Premier League intensity, even tonight, is incredible.”
The Tottenham head coach said Maddison has been training with the squad for only the past 10 to 15 days and needs further time to reach the physical level required to start regularly.
“When he arrives at the best condition, he is very important for us as a personality, as a characteristic, as a quality, as an experience,” De Zerbi said. “The quality of his passes are different than the others.”
Maddison has made three substitute appearances this season, including cameos in the league against Brentford and Everton as well as the Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool. His return offers Tottenham a potential solution to a lack of creativity during their goalless start to the Premier League campaign.
Tottenham host Aston Villa next, with De Zerbi expected to continue assessing Maddison’s condition before deciding whether he is ready for a larger role. The club’s priority remains restoring the midfielder to full fitness so that his creativity and composure can become central to Spurs’ attacking plans.
