James Maddison has stated that he allowed Richarlison take Tottenham’s penalty against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night after having a “little conversation with himself”.
Tottenham overcame the Dutch club 1-0 in the Europa League thanks to Richarlison’s penalty kick, but Maddison initially claimed the ball to take the penalty, placing it on the spot before passing it to his Brazilian teammate.
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Maddison, who was captain on the night, said he wanted to make sure Richarlison scored after returning from injury, recalling his own troubles to get on the scoreboard when he returned from an ankle problem last season.
The England international told TNT Sports: “Initially, we both wanted to take it. I’m a senior player, and I was the captain today. I was going to take the penalty.
“There was a little thought in my head, when I was stood there I had a little conversation with myself and just thought, ‘Richy’s coming back from an injury, it can be difficult, especially for a striker'”
He continued, “I learned that last year, when I had a long injury, it took me a while to score my first goal. That really boosts your confidence. So a split-second decision to let him take it will benefit him greatly.”
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou had no issue with the penalty argument or Maddison’s change of attitude, praising both players for their performances and saying he was simply delighted the ball went in.
“I think he sensed in that moment Richy’s worked awfully hard and he’s kind of got his season started tonight.”
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