James Maddison says experience helped Tottenham Hotspur complete UEFA Europa League turnaround - ‘Group of men’
Updated 14/03/2025 at 07:20 GMT
Tottenham produced a big performance when they really needed it and beat AZ Alkmaar 3-1, for a 3-2 aggregate win, and a place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League. James Maddison, who scored Tottenham's second goal, said it was the return of experienced players that was key to them booking a last-eight meeting in the competition next month with Eintracht Frankfurt.
'It makes a big difference' - Maddison on the impact of returning players for Spurs
Video credit: TNT Sports
James Maddison insisted it was Tottenham's experience that helped them to overturn a deficit to AZ Alkmaar and reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League.
Spurs have struggled with injuries at times this season, but with players returning they still have a chance of European glory, as they beat the Dutch side 3-1 on Thursday night, for a 3-2 aggregate victory.
The Londoners will now play Eintracht Frankfurt in the last eight next month, in a tie that will be shown on TNT Sports and discovery+.
"Over the last few months, when we spoke about having injuries and missing key players, that tonight is a perfect example," Maddison said. "We're stood in the tunnel and you look at the team and it's a group of men.
"Micky's [Van de Ven] back, [Cristian] Romero's back, Vic's [Guglielmo Vicario] back, I'm there, Sonny [Son Heung-min]. We've got men in there - with young lads as well - but when you have the spine of people who are experienced and have played at this professional level for a long time, it makes a difference.
"It was just a solid performance and I think we're deservedly through. We're on to the quarter-finals and we're excited."
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Maddison netted Tottenham's second goal, while the other two were scored by Wilson Odobert.
Ange Postecoglou's team were widely criticised for their performance in the Netherlands last week, but Maddison suggested after the game that he was confident they would turn the tie round.
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‘That was so good’ – Odobert finishes off ‘fantastic team goal’ for Spurs
Video credit: TNT Sports
"It's what we set out to do at the start of the two legs," Maddison said. "There was a lot of talk after last week's performance. We were honest with ourselves, it wasn't good enough.
"In Holland when we lost the first leg and we went over to applaud the away fans, that's why I was trying to get a message to stay calm.
"Listen, we know that we weren't good enough, but they've still got to come to our place because I know what we're capable of here. And we got the job done."
With Tottenham struggling in the Premier League and out of both domestic cups, this is their last chance to rescue the season with silverware.
Former Spurs player and manager Glenn Hoddle - who was watching the game for TNT Sports - was impressed with how they responded.
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Highlights: Spurs overturn first leg deficit to seal quarter-final place
Video credit: TNT Sports
"On this night, they needed a big performance and they got it. I'm delighted with the result," Hoddle said.
"I'm relieved. I've never been so happy to be wrong when I said it would go to extra time. They held on in the end.
"It was a really positive performance. There's room for improvement still if they're going to go deep in the tournament."
His fellow TNT Sports pundit Owen Hargreaves said if Tottenham can keep it tight at the back, they can go all the way in this tournament.
"That's massive for Tottenham. They defended a bit better, bit shaky towards the end," Hargreaves said.
"They took their chances when they needed to and if they defend well, they can win this competition."
TNT Sports will show over 500 matches from the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League across the 2024-25 season. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports and entertainment in one destination.
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