Maddison: I Wanted to Show Tottenham What They've Been Missing Over the Past 18 Months

Tottenham midfielder James Maddison believes he still has plenty to offer Spurs after scoring in their 3-1 victory over Coventry City on his first start in 18 months following knee surgery and a series of injury setbacks.

"I spoke to the manager at the weekend feeling it was the right time to return to the starting line-up after a tough start to the season. I just wanted to play well, showcase my ability, and show what the team has been missing over the past 18 months since my last start. The manager gave me the nod and told me to go out and enjoy it. Hopefully I did that, and getting on the scoresheet is always a bonus," the 29-year-old Englishman said.

"I have so much more to give to this club. I'm 29 and still have plenty of years ahead of me playing at the highest level. I believe in myself and I have the quality to help Tottenham in such a demanding league," added Maddison, whose contract with the London club runs until the summer of 2028.

The playmaker opened the scoring against his boyhood club Coventry with his first goal since February 2025, with his previous start coming against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on May 1, 2025. The result secured Tottenham's first league win of the campaign, moving them up to 16th place on six points.