James Maddison explains the thoughtful reason why he allowed Richarlison to take a penalty instead of him in Tottenham’s 1-0 Europa League win over AZ Alkmaar

James Maddison has revealed that he allowed Richarlison to take the penalty, which resulted in Tottenham’s winner against AZ Alkmaar, to boost his teammate’s confidence. 

The second-half incident had the potential to become a flashpoint, with both Maddison, Spurs’ skipper on the night, and the Brazilian keen to take the set-piece that had been awarded for a foul on Lucas Bergvall. 

After some dialogue Maddison made way for his Spurs teammate, who calmly converted from 12 yards on his first start of the season, having returned from injury. 

The former Leicester star revealed that his decision to allow Richarlison to take the penalty was motivated by a desire to boost the confidence of the 27-year-old, who had not scored for the club since May. 

‘Initially we both wanted to take it. I’m a senior player, I was the captain today, I was going to take the penalty.’ Maddison told TNT Sports. 

The Brazilian stepped up and confidently dispatched his effort from the spot against AZ Alkmaar

Richarlison was starting his first game of the season after coming back from an injury

‘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” – I learnt that last year when I had a long injury, it took me a while to get my first goal. 

‘So a split-second decision to let him take it and that’ll do him the world of good.’

Richarlison’s winning goal not only saw him break his duck but it maintained Tottenham’s perfect start in the Europa League this season. 

Ange Postecoglou’s side are one of only three teams able to boast that record and achieving that feat was all that mattered to the Spurs manager. 

‘As long as they score mate, I couldn’t care less.’ He told TNT Sports. ‘ he boys worked that out and I thought Madders played really well today – he was really creative for us and Richy worked hard to get back in the team so it’s great for him to get a goal.’

Spurs travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace in their next fixture in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon. Their next outing in the Europa League sees them face Turkish Super Lig leaders Galatasaray on November 7.