Why Ange Postecoglou favours Pape Matar Sarr in midfield over James Maddison.
The debate among Spurs fans continues to grow as Ange Postecoglou opts for Pape Matar Sarr over James Maddison in his starting XI.
While both players bring unique qualities to the side, the statistics behind these decisions reveal more about the tactical approach Postecoglou might be prioritising.
James Maddison’s journey under Ange Postecoglou
In the summer of 2023, Ange Postecoglou took over at Spurs and quickly stamped his authority on the squad, overhauling key areas of the team to fit his attacking philosophy. Among his first signings was James Maddison, who arrived from Leicester City, bringing creativity and flair to the heart of midfield.
Maddison thrived immediately, becoming a central figure in Postecoglou’s setup. Since his arrival at Spurs, Maddison has started 45 games across all competitions, contributing seven goals and 13 assists. His ability to unlock defences with incisive passes and an eye for goal made him a virtually undroppable player in the Spurs midfield.
However, the 2024/25 season has presented a fresh challenge for Maddison. Despite his proven creative capabilities, he now finds himself sharing minutes with the 21-year-old Pape Matar Sarr. The young Senegalese midfielder, who arrived at Spurs in 2021, has gradually risen to prominence under Postecoglou’s guidance. In the last four Premier League games alone, Maddison has played just 121 minutes compared to Sarr’s 229 minutes, sparking conversations about whether Postecoglou’s team selections are justified.
Interestingly, Maddison’s reduction in playing time coincides with Dejan Kulusevski’s deeper role in midfield. Once a key figure in Spurs’ attack, Kulusevski is now tasked with sharing creative responsibilities, further complicating Maddison’s route into the starting XI. But the question remains, does Maddison really deserve a place in the team right now?
When comparing Maddison and Sarr, the numbers paint an intriguing picture of two midfielders with distinct roles. Maddison leads in creative metrics, including 5.78 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes compared to Sarr’s 2.86, while also boasting the team’s highest rate of progressive passes (9.21 per 90). Additionally, Maddison’s ability to deliver through balls and crosses makes him a pivotal figure when Spurs need to dominate possession and create chances.
Sarr, on the other hand, offers a different dimension. His defensive contributions shine, with 2.65 tackles per 90 minutes and an impressive 1.63 tackles won per 90, surpassing Maddison in key defensive areas. Sarr also excels in progressing the ball through his carries and passing into the final third, providing a balance between defence and attack.
From the numbers provided, it is clear that Maddison does his job quite well as he tops the chart for a couple of stats in the creative department. However, if you look at the numbers closely, the difference in the attacking stats for Maddison and Sarr isn’t all that huge.
Sarr proves his worth offensively too, with 2.65 carries into the final third per 90, edging Maddison’s 2.11, while his 128.4 metres of progressive carrying distance per 90 slightly surpasses Maddison’s 118.9 metres. He also dominates possession in the midfield, with 47.1 touches in the midfield third per 90, compared to Maddison’s 32.1, showcasing his pivotal role in linking defence to attack and maintaining control in crucial areas.
Sarr’s 79.0 touches per 90 reflect his involvement across all phases of play, marginally higher than Maddison’s 77.5. His 8.37 passes into the final third per 90, well above Maddison’s 5.92, further emphasise his ability to drive the team forward while maintaining defensive balance.
While all of these underlying metrics are great, here is one stat that I find really interesting, when Sarr is on the pitch, Spurs average 2.45 goals scored per 90 minutes and concede just 1.02 goals, compared to Maddison’s 1.97 goals scored and 1.32 conceded.
This clearly shows how important Sarr’s presence is to the team as they perform much better on the attacking front and defensive front.
Finding the balance
Postecoglou’s preference for Sarr over Maddison appears rooted in the team’s overall balance. With Kulusevski now contributing creatively from midfield, the need for Maddison’s playmaking has lessened, especially in games where defensive organisation is paramount. Sarr’s ability to win duels and transition the ball effectively provides Spurs with a solid foundation to control games against stronger opponents.
However, Maddison remains invaluable in situations where creativity is a must. Against a team where Spurs are expected to dominate or when chasing a game, Maddison’s presence could tip the scales, offering the kind of incisiveness that Sarr cannot replicate. Yet, Maddison’s recent performances have lacked the spark that once made him undroppable, leaving Postecoglou with little choice but to trust Sarr in the bigger moments.
The stats do justify Ange’s decisions. As for Maddison, however, he will need to elevate his output to reclaim his place, as the competition for midfield spots shows no signs of easing.
