James Maddison says he is doing his “talking on the pitch” in response to the critics who questioned him before he scored the winner as Tottenham beat Manchester United on Sunday.
Maddison was the only player following in after United keeper Andre Onana parried Lucas Bergvall’s shot, allowing him to complete an easy tap-in to score the match’s only goal.
He marked the strike with both a talking and shushing gesture celebration.
And after the match, without naming any individual critics, he told Sky Sports: “There was a little bit of outside noise this week.
“People will have their opinions, but I wanted to do my talking on the pitch. I hope there is a certain few that enjoyed me being the match-winner today.”
This week, former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane said on The Overlap podcast that Maddison “got relegated with Leicester and he’ll get relegated with Spurs”.
Keane also stressed that Maddison was a “talented player”, but said those who thought his return would help Spurs break into the top six “were in cuckoo land”.
The 28-year-old had been out of action since picking up a calf injury against Hoffenheim in the Europa League on January 23.
His goal against United was his first in the Premier League since December and his 10th in all competitions this season.
Sandwiched between his talking and shushing gestures, Maddison also performed his usual darts throw celebration.
When asked about responding to criticism, he added: “You do see it and it is there. Especially when it’s a big profile name.
“Nobody is more critical of myself than me. To be fair to the gaffer, he always talks about blocking out the outside noise, but sometimes it’s difficult, you know. It is constantly in your face. Social media and WhatsApp, sending people’s stuff.”
