Mateus Fernandes reminded Tottenham why they need James Maddison
After he was missed badly against Nottingham Forest last weekend with Conor Gallagher starting in his stead and struggling yet again as the No. 10, Tottenham Hotspur turned back to Mateus Fernandes in the playmaker role with Rodrigo Bentancur and Sandro Tonali anchoring the midfield behind him.
But Fernandes was unable to replicate his success in the attacking midfield against Charlton Athletic and Newcastle United. The Portuguese international was one of many Spurs players who failed to make an impact, and while his passing was crisp again, it was far from impactful or creative.
Like Gallagher the previous week in the 0-0 draw with Forest, Fernandes did not play poorly against Everton, but he did not do what was required of him against the Toffees, failing to create a single real chance or offer the profile or creative outlet that Spurs needed in this game to actually kill it off and win it.
James Maddison is Spurs best creator
Mateus Fernandes starting as the No. 10 has been Tottenham Hotspur's way of making the best of a bad situation with the main No. 10 options out injured, but Fernandes proved why Spurs really need to have James Maddison back available.
The former Leicester City man, of course, has not started since the end of the 2024/25 Premier League season when he tore his ACL, but he is most recently out with another injury, having disloacted his shoulder whlie coming off the bench on Matchday 1 against Brentford.
Madders is the most creative player on Tottenham, even when Xavi Simons is healthy, and Spurs need someone to unlock the attack. It will take time before Maddison is ready to start again, and whlie even Mohammed Kudus is a more creative proposition in the 10 than Fernandes, there is no replacement for the experience and technical quality of Maddison in that passing role.
Fernandes is a wonderful, wonderful young footballer and has looked like he will be worth every cent of the 85 million pounds Spurs spent to snag him from relegated rivals West Ham United. But a No. 10 he is not, and it is obvious that continuing to play him in this position, even if totally out of necessity, is going to hurt his development. His struggles to create anything of note for Tottenham vs. Everton over the weekend were a reminder that Spurs need a comfortable and confident Maddison back in the No. 10 role.
Today's best reads
Tottenham are forced to sell Mateus Fernandes short
Tottenham vs. Everton: Predicted starting 11 as Spurs seek their first win
Roberto De Zerbi's blind spot is costing Tottenham
Mateus Fernandes's stock is making another big move Tottenham didn't anticipate
Tottenham are missing James Maddison even more than they thought
