James Maddison reveals Tottenham’s title ambitions as Spurs star admits ‘it’s boring’ watching Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool battle for Premier League crown

James Maddison wants Tottenham to be in the race to win the Premier League this time next year after becoming frustrated at missing out on this season’s “incredible” title race.

Spurs were top in November, but a series of high-profile injuries and suspensions meant Ange Postecoglou’s side lacked consistency during the winter months.

It has contributed to Tottenham being plunged into a top-four battle with Aston Villa instead of the title race, but they could be kingmakers when it comes to deciding the champions.

Arsenal will take a short trip through north London later this month, while Spurs face Liverpool and Manchester City in May.

However, Maddison echoed Postecoglou’s recent sentiments and said Tottenham want to be in the race next season.

Maddison played in his first season at Spurs after leaving Leicester

Tottenham have never won the Premier League but have improved under Ange Postecoglou this season

“I have no interest to be honest. We have our own goals for the season and I don’t mind that,” Maddison said after Sunday’s 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest.

“If we end up winning games against teams that are in this race, it doesn’t make any difference. We have a job to do.

“We are where we are and that is something that gives us good motivation to want to be in the title race next year, seeing how good it is this year.

“Of course, that’s definitely the feeling. This is filtered by the manager.

“It’s really annoying to hear three teams fighting for the title and we’re not there, especially after the start to the season we’ve had.

“How exciting is the title race this season? It’s amazing, it’s great for a neutral. My friends and family, everyone is locked into the Premier League every week at the minute because it’s a really good title race.

“It’s frustrating not to be a part of it, but we are where we are and we have our own work to do.”

Tottenham took control of the battle for fourth place with victory over Forest, allowing them to move ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference with a game in hand.

Maddison admitted it had been ‘boring’ watching Arsenal and Man City battle it out at the top

Liverpool are also in contention for the Premier League title despite dropping points at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Micky van de Ven’s thunderous strike early in the second half gave Spurs a crucial victory and continued the Dutch defender’s exceptional run since arriving from Wolfsburg in August.

Van de Ven has won 13 of his 20 Premier League matches and has only lost one league game in that period when he finished a match.

Maddison added: “Shooting is not his strong point if you see it in training every day, but we will take the ones that fly into the top corner.

Maddison admitted Spurs boss Postecoglou’s motivation has spread throughout the team

“He’s a special player, he’s high level and that’s a credit to the recruiting team because I’d never heard of him before signing him. The joke really is on me because I probably should have heard of a player of this caliber in Europe.

“A brilliant player, a brilliant coach, a brilliant boy and a really good guy.”

Maddison played a key role in Spurs’ third goal after being substituted in their previous two games with West Ham and Luton. I’m very critical of myself,” the England international admitted.

“Maybe I’m not at the level that won me player of the month at the start of the season, but I’m so hungry and I’m so critical of myself that I have to work hard to try to to get back to this level. I’m not too far away, I feel good.