James Maddison makes Tottenham Europa League prediction as Micky van de Ven opens up on injury

James Maddison believes Tottenham are good enough to win the Europa League after reaching the quarter-finals on Thursday night.

Despite a disappointing 1-0 loss to AZ Alkmaar last week, Spurs bounced back impressively in the second leg of their last-16 tie. A double from Wilson Odobert and Maddison's goal in the 48th minute secured a 3-1 victory.

Tottenham's challenging winter, marred by injuries, saw them fall to 13th in the Premier League and exit both domestic cups in February. However, with key players like Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, and Micky van de Ven back in action, there's renewed optimism within the squad about reaching the final in Bilbao, especially after lining up a quarter-final clash with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Asked if they can win the Europa League, Maddison said: “Of course. It would be naive to say no and I could give you a cliche answer and say we’re focused on the next game, but it has to be there, there has to be that drive.

“The quarter-final is the next stage and we’ll focus on that, but the gaffer always talks about having a special season and this is one way we can have a special season. There are lots of good teams in it but listen, we’re a good team so the belief is definitely there.”

Spurs' encounter with AZ began positively, and Odobert's first goal for the club came in the 26th minute, following a fine assist from Dominic Solanke. Maddison's pivotal role in Tottenham's victory was highlighted by his 11th goal of the season, giving Spurs a 2-0 lead early in the second half. The game took a turn when Van de Ven was substituted in the 61st minute, allowing Peer Koopmeiners to score and level the aggregate score.

However, Maddison's brilliance shone through as he executed a stunning turn deep in his own half, initiating a play that saw Djed Spence and Son Heung-min combine to assist Odobert's back-post finish, securing Tottenham's progression.

“We’ve worked on that this week,” Maddison told SpursPlay. “Beautiful overlap from Djed. Credit to the gaffer and the coaches, we work on the overlaps and the winger being in at the back stick.

“How many times have you seen Brennan Johnson score that goal at the back stick and (this time) it was Wilson. It’s something we work on and I think they’ll be pleased with that.”

The partnership of Van de Ven and Romero, starting together for the first time since December 8, proved significant for Spurs' success. Van de Ven, who has been managing hamstring issues since October and faced setbacks after attempting a return against Elfsborg in January, spoke about the careful approach to his fitness.

“It was not a new injury but it was just little problems that came up,” Van de Ven explained. “Then we decided all together, with the medical staff, with me and with the gaffer, especially the gaffer, he took me back a little bit to give me some more time, to manage my training intensity and match intensity. It is really good to be back and I am feeling really, really good now.”

Spurs' season-defining game and the big Archie Gray question - click here to listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham.

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