Ange Postecoglou believes there’s even more to come from James Maddison following his starring role in Tottenham Hotspur’s demolition of Manchester City.

Ange Postecoglou has indicated there’s still untapped potential in James Maddison’s game, even after the midfielder’s outstanding performance in Tottenham’s impressive 4-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

In what stands as Postecoglou’s most significant win since taking charge at Spurs, Maddison was instrumental in dismantling the reigning champions. The midfielder found the net twice within the opening 20 minutes, setting the tone for what would become a memorable triumph for the North London side.

Beyond his goalscoring exploits, Maddison’s overall performance demonstrated his comprehensive influence on the game. He maintained a perfect dribbling success rate and dominated in ground duels, winning nine out of 13 challenges. His defensive contribution was equally noteworthy, with two tackles, two clearances, an interception, and five ball recoveries, effectively disrupting City’s usual rhythm.

This commanding display followed a period where Maddison had experienced something of a quiet spell, starting just once in Tottenham’s previous four matches and managing only one goal in his last five appearances. However, Postecoglou revealed that the international break had provided an opportunity for focused work with the player.

“While some might call it a lean spell, I thought he showed great form for us earlier in the season, though he did have a couple of flat games alongside the team’s general performance,” Postecoglou explained. “I firmly believe there’s still more potential to unlock in Madders, and that responsibility falls on me as a manager.”

The Spurs boss emphasized his role in maximizing player performance, suggesting that if he’s not getting the best from either individuals or the team, it requires self-reflection and potentially new approaches. He noted that Maddison’s non-selection for international duty had allowed for intensive training sessions with the coaching staff, during which the player showed tremendous dedication.

“You could see he was preparing himself for a big performance,” Postecoglou continued. “He hasn’t compromised his ambitions or standards about the kind of player he wants to become. Our job is to provide him with the right platform, and today wasn’t just about his goals. His contribution to our build-up play was crucial, consistently making himself available in tight spaces, and his defensive work rate was exceptional.”

While acknowledging Maddison’s solid season thus far, Postecoglou’s comments reflected his broader vision for both the player and the team. “Like us as a collective, we’re aiming for more than just being decent. We want to exceed expectations and push boundaries.”

The manager’s words suggest that despite the impressive nature of the victory and Maddison’s starring role, there remains a strong drive for continuous improvement at Tottenham. This mentality appears to be at the core of Postecoglou’s approach, pushing both individual players and the team as a whole to reach new heights.

The performance against Manchester City showcased not only Maddison’s individual brilliance but also how effectively he has integrated into Postecoglou’s system. The manager’s comments indicate that while this display was remarkable, it might just be a glimpse of what’s to come from the talented midfielder.

With Postecoglou’s guidance and Maddison’s evident commitment to development, Tottenham fans have reason to be excited about the potential for even more impressive performances in the future. The victory at the Etihad, while significant, appears to be viewed by the manager as just another step in the ongoing evolution of both player and team.